Clutch Balancing

[Peter M.]

I've read through the archives re merits of different clutch assemblies - LUK, Centerforce etc. I am leaning towards Centerforce II.

I plan to have the clutch pressure plate balanced prior to install. Is this standard procedure or unusual. Also - do the flywheel and clutch get balanced as seperate assemblies ?

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch Balancing

Peter-----

It's "standard procedure" for anyone who wants to be sure they get it right the FIRST time.

Usually, balance shops will balance each of the components (i.e. flywheel, friction disc, and pressure plate assembly) seperately. Then, they finish balance the assembled unit (less friction disc, of course). However, don't be concerned about the procedures at the balance shop----just make sure that you take it to a competent one. Leave the details up to them.

[Verle R.]

Re: Clutch Balancing

Peter,

I have learned through hard experience that new flywheels (Chevrolet) and new pressure plates (Luk) are not necessarily balanced and can be significantly out of balance.

I just had a new Chevy flywheel and Luk pressure plate balanced last Friday. The flywheel was out 30 grams, the pressure plate about 20 grams and the balancer almost 20 grams. Now, if I was lucky in assembly and just happened to put it together just right it could be within 10 grams total. If I did it just wrong, it would be 70 grams out.

It was all balanced within 2 grams and marked for assembly so I don't have to worry about it now.

The hard experience came when I was in a hurry and just put another engine together without balancing the flywheel/clutch and had a serious vibration. Remove transmission, bellhousing, clutch and flywheel while under the car and do what I knew I should have done in the first place.

In short, balance it and be sure.

Verle