Trouble Shooting » Clutch Disc » Slipping

Lining Failure

Indicator

No drive. With the clutch engaged the vehicle increases in RPM but does not move. May even have difficulties disengaging the clutch.

Causes

1. Incorrect clutch free travel
2. Worn or damaged clutch control components (Fork, Pivot Ball, Cable, Master Cylinder and/or Slave Cylinder)
3. Oil/Grease contamination
4. Driver error

Effect

The clutch has exceeded normal operating temperature resulting in the lining material to carbonize. When clutch disc linings carbonize the bonding resin in the lining material melts causing the material to break down.

Action

1. Replace clutch kit.
2. Adjust the clutch control to manufacturers specifications.
3. Inspect all clutch control components (repair or replace)
4. Inspect all oil seals for leaking. Replace if necessary.
5. Driver education.

 

 

» Link to Guide

Slipping

Indicator
Whilst in 4th gear the engine is revving but the speed of the vehicle is not increasing

Cause
- There is incorrect clutch free travel
- The clutch control mechanisms are faulty (fork, pivot ball, cable, and/or clutch hydraulics
- Worn out clutch kit

Effect

The clutch diaphragm has been partially disengaged causing the disc to spin within the housing or the disc thickness as reduced enough for it to slip.

Action
- Correct the clutch free travel as per manufacturers specifications
- Replace any worn or damaged components
- Renew the clutch kit

» Link to Guide

Worn Disc Linings

Indicator:

Clutch slipping

Cause:

1. Clutch control failure
2. Linings have been exposed to excessive heat.

Effect:

Clutch disc linings worn out

Action:

1. Replace clutch disc/kit
2. Check clutch operating mechanisms
3. Set clutch free travel to manufacturers specifications

» Link to Guide

Broken Facings

Indicator:

Slipping/Shudder/Judder - Poor clutch performance

Cause:

1. Overloading the clutch
2. Overloading the vehicle
3. Clutch disc has been over torqued (Changing from 5th to 2nd at high speed)

Effect:

Broken clutch lining

Action:

1.  Replace clutch disc/kit
2. Driver education

 

» Link to Guide

Burst Facings

Indicator:

Loss of drive/no transmitted power

Cause:

1. The clutch disc has had a torque overload (i.e 5th to 2nd at high speed)
2. Clutch control failure (Clutch hydraulics/Clutch cable)
3. Incorrect clutch free travel
4. Overloading the clutch
5. Overloading the vehicle

Effect:

The clutch disc linings have had a total failure

Action:

1. Replace the clutch disc/kit (ensure all fibrous material is removed from the gearbox and back of engine)
2. Check and inspect all clutch control mechanisms - repair or replace if necessary
3. Set clutch free travel to manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Driver education

 

» Link to Guide

Burnt Facings

Indicator:

Slipping/Lost Drive

Cause:

1. Oil or grease contamination on the clutch disc
2. Faulty clutch release system
3. Incorrect clutch free travel
4. Overloading the clutch
5. Overloading the vehicle.

Effect:

Linings have deteriarated or missing due to excessive clutch slip

Action:

1. Replace the clutch kit and machine the flywheel
2. Check and assess all oil seals – replace if necessary
3. Thouroughly inspect all release mechanism components (fork, pivot ball, pedal box, cross shafts, clutch hdraulics/release cables)
4. Set clutch free travel to manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Driver eductaion

 

» Link to Guide

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