Clutch Breakin period/theory???

[ironhead498]

I just put in a Mcleod RST clutch in my mustang and in the process of breaking it in.
I'm just curious to the theory of the whole 500 mile stop-and-go street driving break-in peroid. I've had several different clutches in the car and almost all of them said the same thing for the break-in.
I'm sure these companys have a reason for for saying this, but I'm trying to reason it for myself.
Here's what I've been thinking.
1. When you bed in a new set of brake pads and rotors you put them through heat cycles. Wouldn't it be the same for a clutch. Same principal, two opposing surfaces that react to heat and friction.
2. When you buy a new car (that has a new clutch in it) do they tell you to drive it for 500 miles to break in the clutch and other components? I wouldn't know cause I'm poor.

I guess I'm just thinking into this whole thing too much, but I would think that putting a new clutch through several good heat cycles would accomplish the same thing as the whole 500 miles.

 

[90lxcoupe]

Ive owned a new car and there was no talk at the dealer of taking it easy for 500 miles... Ive also never broken in a clutch and never had a problem. What do all of the pro stock, nascar, SCCA, etc guys run for a break in on thier clutches? Nothing at all.

I usually just run the car for 20-30 miles without totally hammering on it until i get the adjustment mint, then when i know everything is good, i hammer on it.

 

[ironhead498]

The whole dragrace, SCCA is another good point. Allthough I'm sure that clutch longevity isn't a concern aslong as it makes it a race or two.

 

[ID89GT]

When I put my Cobra clutch in, I hammered on it from day one, never had any problems and works great

 

[91foxbod50]

Broke my hdx in on a dyno. No Problems

 

[McLeodRacing]

I just put in a Mcleod RST clutch in my mustang and in the process of breaking it in.
I'm just curious to the theory of the whole 500 mile stop-and-go street driving break-in peroid. I've had several different clutches in the car and almost all of them said the same thing for the break-in.
I'm sure these companys have a reason for for saying this, but I'm trying to reason it for myself.
Here's what I've been thinking.
1. When you bed in a new set of brake pads and rotors you put them through heat cycles. Wouldn't it be the same for a clutch. Same principal, two opposing surfaces that react to heat and friction.
2. When you buy a new car (that has a new clutch in it) do they tell you to drive it for 500 miles to break in the clutch and other components? I wouldn't know cause I'm poor.

I guess I'm just thinking into this whole thing too much, but I would think that putting a new clutch through several good heat cycles would accomplish the same thing as the whole 500 miles.

Your thinking is pretty much right on.

What do all of the pro stock, nascar, SCCA, etc guys run for a break in on thier clutches? Nothing at all.

Those guys are running sintered iron discs that get grabbier as they heat up. The more heat you put in them the better they work and are essentially throw away after 1-2 races.

 

[tannerc91gt]

My break-in has always consisted of:

Back it down the drive way and out in to the road. And then proceed to hammer on it like usual. Break-in is overrated IMO

 

[Mustang5L5]

Vie done clutch break ins lke brake rotor bedding in. A few hot cold cycles to transfer friction material to the flywheel and good to go. I never really count to 500 miles but I have noticed the clutch really doesn't get granny for a hundred miles or so. After that it was fine.

 

[2000xp8]

It takes a few runs for the clutch to wear a pattern into the flywheel so it doesn't slip.
Happens all the time with higher hp cars on the dyno. Usually after a couple cycles it's fine.
Mine slipped on the dyno about 3 times, then after a cool down never slipped again, and that was 2-3k of my driving.

 

[ironhead498]

Your thinking is pretty much right on.

Good to hear! I've been taking it easy for 80 miles so far with no problems yet. Havn't seen any boost yet either. I'm thinking a couple of more heat cycles and I'll call it good.