14 replies to this topic

[northernboy]

I have the engine out and replacing the clutch for good measure. Cooper SPI with a 190mm Verto Clutch

 

According to Haynes manual and the Rover Workshop manual it seems the clutch plate can be replaced without also having to change the pressure plate.

 

The pressure plate and flywheel surfaces are smooth with no obvious damage and the pressure plate seems in good condition -  this would save having the recommended re balance if a new pressure plate is fitted.

 

In an ideal world I would change everything and get it all balanced but have to draw the line somewhere as trying to keep to a budget.

 

Am tempted to change just the clutch plate and release bearing as Haynes and Rover seem to say is an option.

 

Thoughts please  ??

Edited by northernboy, 27 November 2020 - 10:56 AM.

[Quinlan minor]

That course of action makes sense to me.

[cal844]

Change the lot IMO as you wint know if the pressure plate is worn

[sonscar]

I understand budget.Are you changing because the original clutch was slipping?if yes replace the whole unit.If you are changing it as a result of dismantling it for other reasons than clutch problems then maybe reuse it.Look at the springs,are they ok? look at the fingers,are they level with no appreciable grooves at the tips.does the disc seem flat and paralell to the cover.are there no polished or blue spots on the disc?If it all looks good then I would reuse it.The worst is you have to replace it again if it fails.This may not be technically correct but not everyone can renew everything every time.Just my 2p.Steve..

[Ethel]

If the friction surfaces look ok I'd just do the friction plate.

[goudoogje]

I did this once on my SPI '96, i only replaced the clutch plate, and i drove the car for many years after i sold it. 

 

I do recommend to check and replace the clutch arm and clevis pins. 

[northernboy]

Thanks 

 

Back in the day when I messed around with Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, we always changed both pressure plate and clutch and was no mention about re balance - what is so different with A series in a Mini where a re balance is recommended ?

 

If I was to also replace the pressure plate, I wonder if a re balance is really necessary or just a belt and braces approach.

 

Think will just replace just the clutch and release bearing - as plate looks just fine - as was said it can always be changed later if a problem. 

Edited by northernboy, 27 November 2020 - 06:19 PM.

[Bobbins]

After my clutch became badly contaminated with oil ('98 JDM) I fitted a complete MED ST1 lightweight and balanced flywheel/clutch assembly. The result was that it made the engine more sprightly, smoother and quieter, I hadn't appreciated how out of balance the o/e assembly was.

[sonscar]

Just out of interest here;You balance the clutch and flywheel and marvel at the newfound smoothness.You then operate the starter 1000s of times,each one grinding away the teeth at the very edge which would cause the greatest upset in balance.Of am I wrong in thinking this?Too much coffe and my mind is active.Steve..

[Steve220]

Just out of interest here;You balance the clutch and flywheel and marvel at the newfound smoothness.You then operate the starter 1000s of times,each one grinding away the teeth at the very edge which would cause the greatest upset in balance.Of am I wrong in thinking this?Too much coffe and my mind is active.Steve..

If your starter works fine, it won't grind. It'll slowly polish it, but the amount removed will be insignificant.

[Bobbins]

Ideally the whole crank, flywheel and pulley assembly should be balanced, but balancing the flywheel alone will achieve most of what you want due to the mass being at a bigger diameter, plus it can be done easily without stripping the engine. Wear to the ring gear teeth will have negligible effect on the balance.

[sonscar]

All the ring gears I have seen are pretty chewed up but only in two places.Guess I have had a lot of cars with poor starters.Thanks for you insight.The further from the center the greater the imbalance for less weight?Just thinking aloud.Thanks again.Steve..

[Ethel]

Thanks 

 

Back in the day when I messed around with Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, we always changed both pressure plate and clutch and was no mention about re balance - what is so different with A series in a Mini where a re balance is recommended ?

 

If I was to also replace the pressure plate, I wonder if a re balance is really necessary or just a belt and braces approach.

 

Think will just replace just the clutch and release bearing - as plate looks just fine - as was said it can always be changed later if a problem. 

 

Pre Verto Minis are the same. It's down to the "gearbox in sump" layout, putting the clutch's input & output both on the engine side of the flywheel. Pre Verto back plates are a more conventional size & are connected to the pressure plate (which is a diaphragm spring) through the flywheel. On a Verto clutch the part bolted to the crank is dimensionally closer to a conventional back plate and the  actual back plate is connected to the pressure plate around the outside  providing more of the flywheel mass & mounting the  starter ring gear.

[Cooperman]

Just change the clutch plate and fit a new release bearing. So long as the driven plate and flywheel faces are not scored there will be no problem. Clean thoroughly with 'brake & clutch cleaner' before re-assembly. 

[Dusky]

Thanks

Back in the day when I messed around with Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts, we always changed both pressure plate and clutch and was no mention about re balance - what is so different with A series in a Mini where a re balance is recommended ?

If I was to also replace the pressure plate, I wonder if a re balance is really necessary or just a belt and braces approach.

Think will just replace just the clutch and release bearing - as plate looks just fine - as was said it can always be changed later if a problem.

It's because the pressure plate on minis with a verto system is very very heavy. They balanced the lot at the factory afaik, not the individual pieces. I've seen 50 gramms of imbalance after pressure plate changes.