The process of buying a replacement clutch can be challenging, especially if you want to know exactly what you’re buying. There are manly designs, a lot of jargon to understand, and sometimes there aren’t specifications offered. However, knowing more about what you are buying is important to us, so we wanted to share a primer on the typical materials used for clutch plates.
Why the Clutch is Crucial
Pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and electric clutches all use something called the clutch disc or clutch plate. This component has a huge role in how your vehicle shifts gears. The same applies to most types of heavy machinery you may need to use. The clutch disc incurs a large amount of friction, similar to your brake pads or brake blocks. This is why stainless steel plates are often used as they have extra durability. Stainless steel plate manufacturers will typically coat these plates with friction materials. Metallic, non-metallic, and carbon-composites are most commonly used due to the health issues related to asbestos.
Materials Used in Composites
Things like copper fibers, ceramics, chopped glass, steel, mineral fibers, and cellulose are all used for certain clutch systems. Performance cars and large trucks typically use ceramic clutch plates because it has the best mixture of strength, heat resistance, friction, and durability. It’s known that the basic composites are, but most stainless steel plate manufacturers hide their specific composition to stay ahead of their competition.
How the Clutch Plate Works
When the clutch pedal is compressed, it causes multiple springs connected to the pressure plate to do the same. This pulled the plate and disc away from the flywheel which is located on the engine’s crankshaft. When this happens, the clutch disc stops rotating and allows a driver to switch gears. Once the shifting is done, the disc will go back to engaging with the flywheel. This entire process helps to ensure consistent engagement and disengagement with the clutch. However, it also causes a massive amount of friction to the clutch disc.
Friction’s Effects on the Disc
With all the friction happening, it can wear whatever coating is on the disc, which can lead to the need for a replacement disc. That’s why it is crucial to consider the maximum pressure allowance, torque rating, and rotational speed when replacing your steel plate.
If you have clutch needs, the experts at Raybestos Powertrain are here to help. We offer aftermarket and OEM parts and would be happy to assist you. You can learn more by visiting www.RaybestosPowertrain.com.
