Ultimate Clutch Discs Buying Guide

1 What Does A Clutch Disc Do In A Car?

The clutch disc’s primary function is to transfer the engine power directly to the input transmission shaft. It is coupled with a flywheel and pressure plate to control the flow of power or torque. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the diaphragm springs compress the pressure plate on the clutch disc and the flywheel. As a result, the input shaft will spin at the same RPM as the engine. The springs relax when the clutch pedal is depressed, and the disc stops spinning, causing the input shaft to stop revolving.

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2 What Type of Clutch Disc Should I Choose?

Based On The Number Of Clutch Discs

1. Single Disc

Single discs are used in single-disc clutches. In single-disc clutches, only one disc is fitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate. It is the most common type of clutch found in automobiles. The single-disc clutches do not require cooling fluid because they have enough surface area for heat dissipation. In addition, single-disc clutches are easy to use and respond quickly, making gear shifting a lot easier.

2. Double Discs

Double discs are used in double-disc clutches. There are two discs located in between the flywheel and the pressure plate in double disc clutches. Double disc clutches are capable of transmitting higher torques and have smaller clutch disc circumferences. This provides easy shifting of gears and less force to press the clutch pedal.

3. Multi Disc

Multi-disc clutch uses multiple discs to provide increased frictional contact with the engine’s flywheel. Multiple clutch discs increase surface area to transfer the power from the vehicle’s engine shaft to the transmission shaft. The torque is directly proportional to the number of contact surfaces. Hence, with an increase in the number of clutch discs, the torque transmission capacity increases thus, enhancing the vehicle’s performance.

Based on Material

1. Organic – For the Average Motorist

This type of clutch disc is one of the most basic types of the clutch disc. Phenolic resins, friction modifiers such as metallic powder or metal oxides, and compounded rubber are used to make organic facings. Clutch facings consist of frictional material used on the clutch disc for power transfer during the engagement period and reduce the amount of noise caused by clutches. The organic discs are ideal for conventional driving situations. They provide an excellent balance of effortless engagement, wear resistance, and strength.

2. Ceramic – For Racing Applications

Ceramic clutch discs have ceramic facings composed of a mixture of copper, iron, tin bronze, silicon dioxide, and/or graphite that are sintered or brazed onto a backing plate before being riveted to the primary clutch disc. The ceramic facings make ceramic clutch discs heat resistant with a working temperature of up to 1,000°F without fading. Ceramic clutch discs have high resistance to heat. Therefore, they are ideal for racing scenarios.

3 Factors To Consider Before Buying A Clutch Disc?

Construction

1. Moulded Disc

Moulded type of disc produces less shock during clutch engagement. This implies that it has fewer adverse effects on the drive train and that there is no need to replace the clutch cover and flywheel when replacing the disc.

2. Metal Disc

Metal clutch discs are usually made up of cast iron or high-carbon steel. This type of clutch disc that allows easier driving without fully engaging the clutch is known as half-clutching. The half-clutch driving technique keeps the vehicle from rolling back in bumper-to-bumper traffic or mountainous terrain. In the half-clutching technique, the driver engages forward or reverse gear (depending on the situation), keeps the brake pedal held, and slowly releases the clutch until the vehicle vibrates. This point is known as the biting point. 

The disc’s outer edge is light, resulting in a less inertial moment and improved clutch responsiveness at high engine speeds. Cast iron or high carbon steels are highly durable materials that enhance the clutch disc service life. These metals have good thermal properties and resist fading, so even if the clutch is frequently used in half-clutch conditions, the performance is not affected by high temperatures. When the clutch is only half depressed, it rubs against the flywheel, generating heat.

OE vs Aftermarket

Replacement OE clutch discs offer the same advantages as factory-equipped clutch discs. But this means you will not be receiving any additional benefits found in aftermarket products. OE clutch discs also cost quite a bit more than their aftermarket counterparts. Aftermarket clutch discs are generally cheaper and provide many benefits over standard clutch discs. Aftermarket clutch discs match the OE parts’ fit and performance and some even exceed that, making them a good bargain over their counterparts.

Compatibility

The most important factor to consider before investing your hard-earned money in any clutch discs is the compatibility with your vehicle’s make and model. Different friction materials of the clutch discs have different properties and are used in daily driving and racing applications. It is important to remember that an incorrect clutch disc will not fit in your vehicle’s transmission system, and even if it fits, it will deliver opposite results instead of enhancing performance.

4 What Will Happen When The Clutch Disc Wears And When To Replace It?

Slippage

When the clutch pedal is released and accelerated, the vehicle moves slowly while the engine races, usually in high gear. This is known as slipping and is common when a clutch disc is worn out. The clutch disc has reduced surface area to grip the flywheel and pressure plate because the friction material is practically worn away, making it difficult for the engine to transfer spinning power to the transmission.

Trouble Shifting Gears

If your gear system is working smoothly, it implies that your vehicle’s clutch and gearbox are working properly. The clutch releases the force between the engine and the transmission, allowing you to shift gears with ease. It will be incredibly difficult to transfer gears if the clutch fails to loosen the connection between the engine and the gearbox. If your vehicle’s clutch disc is damaged, it is due to worn-away friction material that reduces contact surface area. This will cause problems in transferring power from the engine to the transmission system. So if your car’s gear shift has been problematic recently, it’s time to replace your clutch disc.

Noise When Pressing the Clutch

While pressing the clutch, if you hear a grinding noise from the engine compartment, it indicates that the clutch disc is damaged or not functioning properly. The noise could be caused by a loose element inside the clutch disc. This issue needs to be taken seriously, and you must get your clutch disc inspected.

5 Which Brand Clutch Disc Should I Choose?

Sachs Clutch Discs:

Sachs offers a wide range of clutch and related products for your vehicle. Sachs products are crafted by professionals who have mastered the technology of manufacturing automotive aftermarket products. Their products are rigorously tested under real conditions using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure top-notch quality and customer satisfaction.

Features

• Greater Transmittable torque
• Increased thermal resistance
• Higher number of revolutions
• Longer life span
• Start Performance similar to OE
• Effortless exchange with OE clutch disc

For more products, please refer to our Sachs Clutch Discs section.

Advanced Clutch Technology Clutch Discs:

Advanced Clutch Technology, as the name implies, is one of the pioneers in clutch and clutch-related product design and manufacturing. Their manufacturing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art design, production, and testing technologies. They have a wide range of products to select from owing to your vehicle’s requirements.

Features

• Premium organic friction material for high heat tolerance, quick recovery, good friction, and long life
• Precision broached splines ensure an exact fit to the input shaft
• Heavy-duty torsional damper springs provide quieter operation
• SFI Certified

For more products, please refer to our Advanced Clutch Technologies Clutch Discs section.

Exedy Clutch Discs:

Exedy is the unchallenged global leader in performance sports and racing clutches. All 11 Japanese vehicle manufacturers, many other vehicle manufacturers, and construction/machinery industries throughout the world, including GM and Ford, rely on the Exedy Group for manual clutches, flywheels, torque converters, AT plates, and other innovative powertrain components. The industry professionals have crafted the products keeping quality and customer satisfaction in mind. They provide a wide range of solutions for power transmission-related problems.

Features

• Premium quality materials ensure durability
• Crafted to perform similar to the OE discs
• Effortless exchange with OE clutch disc
• Engineered to provide hassle-free, consistent performance
• Manufactured to ensure product quality is maintained or improved 

For more products, please refer to our Exedy Clutch Discs section.

6 How Much Will It Cost Me For A New Clutch Disc?

The price range for clutch discs varies from $ 64 to $ 280 CAD on the PartsAvatar website. However, you can buy a brand-new clutch disc from the PartsAvatar website, depending on the type of clutch disc, brand, and vehicle, or your budget and requirement.