Cybertron

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.

<img src="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.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71039/dscf1770.jpg">

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

<img src="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.

<img src="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.

<img src="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.

http://www.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.)

TabulaRasa

Nice calendar. 8-)

raj//UrS4

just wondering how much did the flywheel job cost?

andy@sbc

To resurface cost $75 with out a clutch kit and $50 with a kit plus shipping. It only takes one day turn around time.

andy@sbc

oops

c4S6

I guess it's worth it to send your dual mass to a guy like Andy to resurface properly.

A lot of people tell me you can't resurface a dual mass, which I know isn't true.

How much did he charge for resurfacing?

Thanks for the great info!