Pressure plate balance

[Roger G.]

I am replacing the clutch on my 70 LS5.
The clutch was replaced once abut 20 years ago.
I neglected to have the flywheel resurfaced at that time, a mistake I'm correcting now.
I ordered a replacement clutch kit from Paragon.
Upon inspection I noted there doesn't seem to be any evidence of balancing on the pressure plate from Paragon.
I see two or three washers riveted to the old pressure plate at 12 O'clock, assume they are for balance?
Has anybody had recent experience with clutch kits from Paragon?
The old pressure plate was made in USA. New one made in Korea.
I'm a bit suspicious of the new one. No evidence of being balanced.

This kit came with two pilot bearings, one roller, the other a ball bearing.
The car currently has a bushing which was installed with the old clutch.
I'm hesitant to use either of the replacements.


Here are a few photos.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

I am replacing the clutch on my 70 LS5.
The clutch was replaced once abut 20 years ago.
I neglected to have the flywheel resurfaced at that time, a mistake I'm correcting now.
I ordered a replacement clutch kit from Paragon.
Upon inspection I noted there doesn't seem to be any evidence of balancing on the pressure plate from Paragon.
I see two or three washers riveted to the old pressure plate at 12 O'clock, assume they are for balance?
Has anybody had recent experience with clutch kits from Paragon?
The old pressure plate was made in USA. New one made in Korea.
I'm a bit suspicious of the new one. No evidence of being balanced.

This kit came with two pilot bearings, one roller, the other a ball bearing.
The car currently has a bushing which was installed with the old clutch.
I'm hesitant to use either of the replacements.


Here are a few photos.

Roger-------


All I can tell you is that not all pressure plate assemblies require added weights to be in proper balance. Many do, but not all.

If you choose to use the new pressure plate (or even if you use another pressure plate), I would take the flywheel, pressure plate and friction disc to a competent and experienced engine balancing shop. I realize that this is an externally balanced engine, but the assembly can still be balanced by a competent shop. Many, if not the vast majority, of folks replacing clutches don't have the balance checked and get away with it. I don't like to take that chance, though, since I absolutely hate to "go-back-in" for a "do-over".

While roller bearing pilot bearings are common, I've never seen a ball bearing pilot bearing. I prefer the old-fashioned sintered bronze type unless I'm 100% sure that the bellhousing is perfectly aligned.

[Michael G.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

If you don't feel comfortable using a foreign made clutch might take a look at Carolina Clutch selling the LUK clutch, made in the USA. For use in my '66 427/390 chose the: Part No: 04-902 comparable to a Hayes Street/Strip. For a stock type replacement: Part No: 04-021.

http://www.carolinaclutch.com/

[Jim D.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

Regardless of who's clutch set-up you use - GET IT BALANCED. I just had a new LUK flywheel and pressure plate balanced. The pressure plate was 51 grams out and the flywheel was 216 grams out of balance. LUK is NOT made in America. The flywheel was made in China and the clutch set in South Africa. This was definitely the last LUK clutch set I will buy.

[John H.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

LuK is the largest OEM supplier of clutches in the world (including the low-volume Viper 12" clutch and flywheel for the last 22 years); they have never had any manufacturing operations in the U.S. - only engineering and distribution. They manufacture in at least eight countries.

[Michael G.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

Thanks for the clarity John.........that being said could not be happier with performance and functionality my Luk. Surfacing the flywheel is and was a key factor in the smoothness of release.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

LuK is the largest OEM supplier of clutches in the world (including the low-volume Viper 12" clutch and flywheel for the last 22 years); they have never had any manufacturing operations in the U.S. - only engineering and distribution. They manufacture in at least eight countries.

John------


Yup. Folks are going to have to get used to the fact that in today's world the automotive components supply chain is GLOBAL. For some components, the only current source is going to be foreign. This is not only true for replacement parts for older applications but also for current PRODUCTION. Many parts for modern cars have absolutely no other manufacturing source other than foreign no matter how hard one looks. I think what one needs to focus on these days is the BRAND and not the country of origin. An outfit like LUK is going to have the same engineering standards and quality control regardless of where the manufacturing plant is located.

Another important consideration, as I've mentioned many times before, is whether a part is OEM quality or AFTERMARKET quality. Most of the major automotive suppliers have both OEM and aftermarket divisions and manufacturing operations. Sometimes, the OEM parts and the aftermarket parts are the same but more often they are not. For instance, if one purchases a part through the GM parts system, one gets an OEM quality part. However, if one purchases a part through the Delco parts system, the part may or may not be OEM quality. For many older parts and applications an OEM quality part may no longer be available.

[Roger G.]

Re: Pressure plate balance

I think what one needs to focus on these days is the BRAND and not the country of origin. An outfit like LUK is going to have the same engineering standards and quality control regardless of where the manufacturing plant is located.

This is consistent with what I've seen in manufacturing today. The overseas suppliers will provide what ever the branding company requires. It's up to the company whose name appears on the part to stay on top of quality control.