[s-cars] Just got my flywheel resurfaced @ Southbend clutch (long)...

[auditechni at yahoo.com]

Over the weekend I took a drive to Southbend, Ind to
Southbend Clutch to have my flywheel resurfaced. If
some of you remember my last post, I wasn't sure if my
original flywheel was still good. After a thorough
check by Andy Pyfer (one of the owners of Southbend
clutch), I was assured that my flywheel still had a
lot of life left in it. He then was nice enough to
give me a tour of his company and an impromptu clutch
301 seminar.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1771.jpg

This is the computerized precision grinder that is
needed to properly resurface a dual mass flywheel. If
someone says they can do it on a lathe- run away! The
process takes the minimum amount of material off of
the wheel. It uses a diamond-impregnated stone to get
a perfect finish.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1770.jpg

Here is a picture of the diamond grinding stone and
the finished product.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1769.jpg

This is a refinished flywheel along side a new unit.

I bought a Southbend Clutch about 6 months ago, but
because of a long list of other nightmares, I didn't
resurface my flywheel at that time. As a result, I had
some clutch chatter. So I also brought my Pressure
plate and disc with me to be checked as well. Andy
showed me the section of the plant that he uses to
sent up clutch units for import cars. I should let you
know that Andy is a 3rd generation clutch maker. He
and his brothers are running a business that was
started by their grandfather. They have been doing
clutches for cars and trucks of all make and sizes, as
well as custom and race applications for a long time.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1772.jpg

This is part of the import section, where the clutch
disks are assembled. As you can see, them make all
styles and sizes. I bought the OFE series, which has a
special Feramic lining on one side and a metal/organic
lining on the other. It gives a smooth engagement
while maintaining a high friction coefficient for high
torque applications. Southbent clutch helped develop
and is the largest maker of feramic clutches. Andy
also explained and dispelled the common misconception
that for high power applications, a puck clutch is
better than a full surface unit. Because of the
smaller surface area, a puck clutch needs to
compensate with a higher clamping force which !=
smooth engagement.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1768.jpg 

Southbend uses this ( I forgot the name) machine to
precisely measure and adjust the pressure plate
clamping pressure and lift height. My pressure plate
reached maximum lift height with less than a half inch
of spring travel. My clamping pressure was well within
spec too. 

Andy took a look at my throw out bearing and asked me
about my pedal feel. I told him that my pedal would
sometimes go  to the floor and would not come back up
on its own. Just by looking at the wear he told me
that my problem was in my clutch master cylinder. Well
I pulled it last night and found the inlet port filled
with a thick slime. I flushed the line and replaced
the master and slave cylinders. 

And for all you Centerforce guys, he showed me a
corner full of failed Centerforce units from guys who
made the switch. I also saw how some companies will
grind off the Sachs name in the case of german units,
and put their own name on the pressure plates. Sachs
is one largest and best makers of pressure plate
components for our cars. Don't fall for cheaper/
inferior units units. I had so much new information
given to me that day that I am sure that I am leaving
some out.  Check out their web site for your self or
give Andy a call. Better yet if you can drive down and
take the tour/ class yourself.

dxdracingclutches.com/home.html

Andy Pyfer
South Bend Clutch
800-988-4345


I am not getting any free parts, nor do I work for
this company. I am just a satisfied customer who was
amazed by the down to earth friendly customer service
that I received from this company. I wish all of my
part suppliers were like this.

Cybertron

Currently replacing motor mounts, clutch slave and
master cylinders, parking brake cables, brake pads,
control arms, afterrun pump, oil, antifreeze, brake
fluid, 2 tires, revalving shocks, mounting HRSB,
resurfaced flywheel. (I will post a picture of my
flywheel in the morning.)

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com