What is reconditioned in a reconditioned clutch?
Slimy38 - 6/10/20 at 07:41 PM
I came across a term today that got me thinking. What is a reconditioned clutch? I've heard of things like reconditioned gearboxes, but clutches
are predominantly friction material so what can be reconditioned?
Having said that, I do remember brake shoes could be renewed with friction material. But that was when my dad was driving old cars so I've no
idea whether even that is a process.
Just to make it a bit more complex, the conversation was on the subject of DSG boxes...
r1_pete - 6/10/20 at 07:44 PM
Re lined friction plate and new shock springs.
Pressure plate surfaced, and ne diaphragm spring if needed.
New thrust bearing.
steve m - 6/10/20 at 07:52 PM
Imho i wouldn't buy a reconditioned clutch, as for the labour involved, engine or gearbox out etc, and time, just to save a few pounds, is not
worth the hassle, also with all the counterfeit poor quality stuff arriving from the far east daily, and its made of cheese
Were as reconditioned brake shoes, (not that ive heard of them in 40 years) are a doddle to change, infact my old 7, i could renew all of the rear
brake shoes, and cylinders on both sides in about 40 mins total, and did so every other year, so not exactly a costly or time critical area
steve
James - 6/10/20 at 08:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Imho i wouldn't buy a reconditioned clutch, as for the labour involved, engine or gearbox out etc, and time, just to save a few pounds, is not
worth the hassle, also with all the counterfeit poor quality stuff arriving from the far east daily, and its made of cheese
Were as reconditioned brake shoes, (not that ive heard of them in 40 years) are a doddle to change, infact my old 7, i could renew all of the rear
brake shoes, and cylinders on both sides in about 40 mins total, and did so every other year, so not exactly a costly or time critical area
steve
You were getting through a set of brakes every 2 years? That's impressive mileage in a Seven! 
perksy - 6/10/20 at 10:26 PM
I've fitted a few over the years and couldn't tell the difference from a new one to be fair
But if the price difference isn't vast, I'd go for a new one everytime
A lot depends on what the manufacturer calls "reconditioned" though
steve m - 6/10/20 at 10:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by James
quote:
Originally posted by steve m
Imho i wouldn't buy a reconditioned clutch, as for the labour involved, engine or gearbox out etc, and time, just to save a few pounds, is not
worth the hassle, also with all the counterfeit poor quality stuff arriving from the far east daily, and its made of cheese
Were as reconditioned brake shoes, (not that ive heard of them in 40 years) are a doddle to change, infact my old 7, i could renew all of the rear
brake shoes, and cylinders on both sides in about 40 mins total, and did so every other year, so not exactly a costly or time critical area
steve
You were getting through a set of brakes every 2 years? That's impressive mileage in a Seven!
EVERY YEAR, well winter, i rebuilt religiously the rear end one year, and the front end the following year, the whole lot, back to bare metal check my
welds, repaint and rebush, new grease etc, 20 years of doing this process
It was done, one out of i can, but also, in a car that i built from scratch, with no training, nor guidance, having never really welded before, , just
arc,
it was called safety, and yes probably overkill, bet then again, my locost didnt fail, on my workmanship, it failed on a Henry ford design problem,
ie
a pressed in carb fitting that came out after the MOT, and caused an immense carb fire, that destroyed my car
steve
Mr Whippy - 7/10/20 at 06:08 AM
When rebuilding the Fiesta I went for a budget clutch kit, damn thing wouldn't even fit and the inside of the friction plate actually broke up.
Gave up and bought the exact same clutch kit as fitted by Ford and everything fitted perfectly. Lesson learnt should have bought the good one in the
first place. With something so buried and difficult to access it's probably not the best thing to save money on.
Slimy38 - 7/10/20 at 06:46 AM
Thanks all. Yes I couldn't see the benefit to it either. Especially because the topic of conversation was around DSG clutches which are probably
even harder to deal with (and multiples of everything!).
It's interesting to hear that they can be re-lined though.That's my 'one new thing to learn each day' for today.
nick205 - 7/10/20 at 09:22 AM
IMHO brand new clutch kits aren't overly expensive. As has been mentioned above, given the time and effort involved in replacing a clutch anyway
I'd go for a brand new clutch every time. IMHO "reconditioned" is too vague a word when it comes to clutches for me. Whether
it's a car I'm driving or fixing for someone else!
Sam_68 - 7/10/20 at 10:30 AM
Some DSG boxes are multi-plate (and concentric!) wet clutches, of course.
nick205 - 7/10/20 at 12:51 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Sam_68
Some DSG boxes are multi-plate (and concentric!) wet clutches, of course.
They are and IIRC there are manufacturer service intervals for thhem where the tarnsmission fluid should be changed. IMHO that's part of
deciding to buy and run such a vehicle - following the service schedule with suitable materials and at suitable intervals. Like all things mechanical
(and electrical) they'll have a service life before they wear out and need replacing.
coyoteboy - 7/10/20 at 01:24 PM
A recon clutch kit could be better quality than some of your new cheapo clutch kits, as it could well use the OEM non-wearing parts with just new
friction material and bearings added. Or it could be a recon cheapie. Or a combo of the two.
As with everything, you pays your money, you takes your chance. If you have the cash, and want the assurance that comes with the cost, you buy the OEM
kit.
britishtrident - 7/10/20 at 03:54 PM
Big name clutch manufacturers have been reconditioning clutches for years usual way to tell is the finish on the clutch . With the main maufacturers
The only part normally reused on the cover is the outer shell on the friction plate only the inner hub. I would have no issue buying one branded AP
or National.
Slimy38 - 7/10/20 at 05:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Sam_68
Some DSG boxes are multi-plate (and concentric!) wet clutches, of course.
Yep,this was on a Skoda so multi plate wet clutch.