South bend clutch issues

[Rodgman15]

So I'm interested in hearing input from the AZ crew regarding my issues with my clutches.

I've been running South Bend setups for about two years now. I've gone through 3 completely different discs (and plates) in this time g going on my fourth now) and I'm trying to figure out if I'm mis-installing something, or if I'm running into driveline "runout" perhaps. Includes lwfw, started on a stage 2 endurance disc, then a stage 2 drag disc, now onto their final "stage 4" setup, and on my second stage 4 disc.

Every clutch thus far has failed me, and I'll be detailed regarding the engines they were used on. I'd like to give SB the benefit of the doubt that they really know what they're doing, but I can't seem to figure out why I'd experience so much product failure.

Disc one:

SB stage 2 endurance.

Ran on stock k03 with all the bolt ons. Lasted maybe 10k before the friction surfaces separated from the disc itself.


Second disc:

SB stage 2 drag disc: (only have a new picture of it). This one got about 3k before the center hub (the sprung part) removed itself from the rest of the disc.

Exact same engine setup as disc above.

Third disc (when I became outrageously tired of SB) :

SB stage 4 "extreme" (good for 525 ft/lb mind you)

Maybe, MAYBE 1k miles at the most. Again, the center hub separated from the disc. Third disc was broken in on the same engine mentioned above, and had exactly 87 miles on my HX35 setup when I installed that before it just gave up on life.



South Bend is (as we speak) sending me another disc to replace this one that just fried.

I'm going to start by saying that SB has customer service second to none. They've hooked me up through and through, most of these parts for free or at extreme discounts, even though I'm not "ASE certified", or running a "legit" shop.

I spoke with the same guy I always deal with over there (I won't name names) and he's always been super helpful, but yesterday on the phone we got a bit heated with each other, and rightfully so.

Of course his angle is "I've been doing this a long time". Yes sir, you have, and I certainly don't doubt your expertise.

1: He initially wanted to blame install issues. I've done PLENTY of clutches that have never had issues, this is literally the first time I've experienced issues like this. I've used their install instructions as well as tools and hardware when supplied. PP and flywheel torqued properly every time.

2: He then claimed I have some kind of alignment issues (i.e. - trans to block crooked) or possible input shaft runout problems. Valid theory, yet I find that impossible. The discs were used on two different transmissions (1.8t trans for the first 2 discs, 2.8 trans for discs 3 and 4), both with all dowels in place, transmission torqued to factory specs.

I should note, the flywheel has been resurfaced every time, and the PP surfaced properly when not replaced (only once was it not resurfaced, between discs 1 and 2, flywheel machined accordingly). New pilot bearing installed between discs 2 and 3, and new throwout bearing with every install.

So AZ gurus, what am I missing that I'm doing all this damage??

[Dan[FN]6262]

classic southbend. still using those shitty rivets.

[MarcRogers]

Well I'm never buying a southbend. I've had eBay clutches that last longer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rodgman15]

I'm trying to bring this to attention in a light manner. I don't mean to dog them entirely as a company, but I've had an awful time with their product. I had read a few posts regarding shitty rivets, but good lord do they get fiery when you mention that to them lol. I just want to know if there's something I'm overlooking or not noticing as well.

[GrapeBandit]

I had read a few posts regarding shitty rivets

SB must have bought out spec's old stock

[Seerlah]

Valuable lesson I learned along the way, stop/don't fix something that doesn't want to be fixed. Move on and you will be much happier.

[Rodgman15]

Valuable lesson I learned along the way, stop/don't fix something that doesn't want to be fixed. Move on and you will be much happier.

Ya, good point. I've already been in contact with Mike Hood discussing my next kit. This south bend disc is getting the life kicked out of it, then I'm going 240mm. Should have done that ages ago, but hindsight is always 20/20.

[Dan[FN]6262]

I love my FX400, it came from Mike.

It's grabby but hasn't slipped yet. Pretty sure it's 5 years old at this point.