OK...flywheel is perfectly ground, and pressure plate is perfectly turned as it is manufactured. So what exactly needs to break in? Believe me, I have read plenty about 500 miles...of easy driving, to break in a clutch. But what exaclty am I trying to accomplish in the "break-in" period?

 

Gee, I had no idea a clutch needed to be broken in. My Dodge is the third pickup I've had (all manual transmissions) and had never heard anything about breaking in the clutch after replacing.

Guess my answer doesn't do much for your question though, does it. Good luck.

Dewey

2001 2500, 6 spd 4x4 QC

 

I have heard

Nice easy driving for the first 500 miles, smooth shifts, no abrupt take offs or anything like that, and always take off in first gear for at least the first 500 miles as well, This will allow it to settle in and break in right..

Tx

 

What brand/model clutch? Manufactors have different ways to break in different clutches.

Doug

 

The only clutch that I was told to do the 500 mile break in was a Centerforce clutch. Their tech support said that I needed to drive it real easy for the first 500 miles or so...
When I asked Peter(SBC) about this..he said dont go out and drag race it. And the best break in was stop and go traffic! He even told me that if I needed to pull my trailer right after it was installed ...go for it.
Centerforce tech support also told me that if I were to slip the clutch one time during the break in period..they would void the warranty!

SBC Rocks


Rick

 

wow, no one saw the other question.

What are you trying to accomplish by breaking the clutch in? My guess is...(completely non professional)

When things grind and rub against one other they wear differently forming grooves - they seat, right? Im guessing that by breaking in the clutch you're trying to get the clutch and flywheel to 'seat' before stressing it real hard. That way it'll be stronger down the road, last longer, yada yada...

 

I do agree with that.. But the clutch would need to be worked to make this break in happen..that is the reason for the in town stop and go traffic...

Rick

 

You are right. The main reason for the break in period is that the clutch linings are not perfactly flat, highs and lows. The break in period allows the highs to ware a bit until there is total contact with the castings, (flywheel/pressure plate). This is the reason why many of the clutches slip on the initial install. Think of it this way, if you put a brand new engine in your vehicle, would you take it to the drag strip right after install?

Peter

 

Is it a roller cam? Then hell yeah I would. Only thing to break in is the rings, got to seat them. Best way to seat the rings is excessive pressure to force them out against the crosshatch of the cylinder walls.