Carbonetic Multi plate rebuild
May 30, 2011, 02:00 PM
#1
Carbonetic Multi plate rebuild
This write up follows the photos of the clutch inspection pictured on a different forum as seen here.
http://evoempire.org/topic/11033-fft...ost__p__191786
I hope I'm not stepping on any toes posting a link to a different forum.
Read and enjoy!
I purchased my 2003 Evo 8 in November of 2009 used with some aftermarket upgrades. The car had 54,000 miles at the time and of the parts installed, a Carbonetic twin plate clutch was also included. The clutch had been in the car for around 15,000 miles at the time. I was fairly skeptical about the clutch as most of my experience at that time was with Exedy twins, HKS GD max, ACT, as well as a few others. My initial impressions of the clutch were that it’s extremely smooth and predictable. When I say smooth, I mean smooth as silk, smoother than a fresh shave. Driving in traffic is no more difficult than with the ACT HDSS full face clutch kit, and during spirited driving, or launching the car it holds like a pissed off gorilla. I’ve driven the car on countless occasions to my favorite backroads and the clutch has help up solidly for the time I’ve owned the car. Let’s fast forward to a month ago.
I have recently started to have some issues with the clutch, so like most Evo owners, I trolled the forums for answers. Surprisingly, there was very little information on the web about this clutch that differ from my own initial impressions, and rebuilding this clutch seemed to be a bit of smoke and mirrors. I began to fear for the worst, as I didn’t see any other alternative. I felt that the entire clutch would need to be rebuild as that is standard procedure for multi-plate clutches. Many forums only spoke of the cost of the carbon plates and intermediate plates which comparatively cost much more than other twin plate clutches that are available. It seemed that this information has swayed many people into purchasing an Exedy clutch, or something offered by a different manufacturer as those parts are more readily available.
We finally had enough free time to remove the clutch and transmission and I had some very interesting things for me in store. As we took off the clutch cover, and pressure plate, we found not one, not two, but three carbon plates hiding inside! Talk about a freebie. I had never driven a triple plate clutch that drove this nice before. I was extremely surprised, and now, even more in awe of how great this clutch really is. Ok, so on to the scary bits. The black magic, smoke and mirrors, the magicians secret will finally be revealed. The rebuild…Carbonetic provides a DIY inspection form for their clutches so you know what parts to replace, and which parts can be re-used. Pretty handy actually. You can also opt for their inspection and rebuild service for a small fee. We started with the obvious, the clutch release bearing sleeve was broken, and this really gummed up the release bearing, so those need to go in the trash and new parts are going to be sent over from Carbonetic. The pressure plate also showed some wear, and would need to be replaced. The clutch discs themselves should be measured for wear and runout. Brand new the clutch discs are 3.9mm thick, and the minimum re-usable clearance is 2.5mm. I figured as long as they were re-usable, I’d be happy as I was again expecting the worst. Each disc measured out to 3.8mm. 3.8!!! Really!? I grabbed another set of calipers just to be safe, and the measurements were correct. Again, enter shock and awe. I’ve pretty much beaten up the car since I purchased it and the clutch discs have barely worn. This is the opposite of what I’ve seen on every clutch we’ve rebuilt or pulled out of a car over the last few years, and I am pretty impressed. All in all the only parts I’m replacing are the relase bearing, clutch cover bolts, pressure plate, and adding a shim kit. I believe that this in itself should justify the cost difference of this clutch vs. others that are out there, and I hope this clears up the confusion on these clutches.
Cliff’s notes
Carbonetic clutch in car
Clutch needs some love
Pull clutch apart
Find bonus clutch disc
Clutch discs are good, replace other small parts
Re install clutch
Go enjoy car again
http://evoempire.org/topic/11033-fft...ost__p__191786
I hope I'm not stepping on any toes posting a link to a different forum.
Read and enjoy!
I purchased my 2003 Evo 8 in November of 2009 used with some aftermarket upgrades. The car had 54,000 miles at the time and of the parts installed, a Carbonetic twin plate clutch was also included. The clutch had been in the car for around 15,000 miles at the time. I was fairly skeptical about the clutch as most of my experience at that time was with Exedy twins, HKS GD max, ACT, as well as a few others. My initial impressions of the clutch were that it’s extremely smooth and predictable. When I say smooth, I mean smooth as silk, smoother than a fresh shave. Driving in traffic is no more difficult than with the ACT HDSS full face clutch kit, and during spirited driving, or launching the car it holds like a pissed off gorilla. I’ve driven the car on countless occasions to my favorite backroads and the clutch has help up solidly for the time I’ve owned the car. Let’s fast forward to a month ago.
I have recently started to have some issues with the clutch, so like most Evo owners, I trolled the forums for answers. Surprisingly, there was very little information on the web about this clutch that differ from my own initial impressions, and rebuilding this clutch seemed to be a bit of smoke and mirrors. I began to fear for the worst, as I didn’t see any other alternative. I felt that the entire clutch would need to be rebuild as that is standard procedure for multi-plate clutches. Many forums only spoke of the cost of the carbon plates and intermediate plates which comparatively cost much more than other twin plate clutches that are available. It seemed that this information has swayed many people into purchasing an Exedy clutch, or something offered by a different manufacturer as those parts are more readily available.
We finally had enough free time to remove the clutch and transmission and I had some very interesting things for me in store. As we took off the clutch cover, and pressure plate, we found not one, not two, but three carbon plates hiding inside! Talk about a freebie. I had never driven a triple plate clutch that drove this nice before. I was extremely surprised, and now, even more in awe of how great this clutch really is. Ok, so on to the scary bits. The black magic, smoke and mirrors, the magicians secret will finally be revealed. The rebuild…Carbonetic provides a DIY inspection form for their clutches so you know what parts to replace, and which parts can be re-used. Pretty handy actually. You can also opt for their inspection and rebuild service for a small fee. We started with the obvious, the clutch release bearing sleeve was broken, and this really gummed up the release bearing, so those need to go in the trash and new parts are going to be sent over from Carbonetic. The pressure plate also showed some wear, and would need to be replaced. The clutch discs themselves should be measured for wear and runout. Brand new the clutch discs are 3.9mm thick, and the minimum re-usable clearance is 2.5mm. I figured as long as they were re-usable, I’d be happy as I was again expecting the worst. Each disc measured out to 3.8mm. 3.8!!! Really!? I grabbed another set of calipers just to be safe, and the measurements were correct. Again, enter shock and awe. I’ve pretty much beaten up the car since I purchased it and the clutch discs have barely worn. This is the opposite of what I’ve seen on every clutch we’ve rebuilt or pulled out of a car over the last few years, and I am pretty impressed. All in all the only parts I’m replacing are the relase bearing, clutch cover bolts, pressure plate, and adding a shim kit. I believe that this in itself should justify the cost difference of this clutch vs. others that are out there, and I hope this clears up the confusion on these clutches.
Cliff’s notes
Carbonetic clutch in car
Clutch needs some love
Pull clutch apart
Find bonus clutch disc
Clutch discs are good, replace other small parts
Re install clutch
Go enjoy car again
Last edited by MikeB@FFTEC; May 30, 2011 at 02:46 PM.
Jun 9, 2011, 11:55 AM
#2
Finally got the parts installed on the car, and it's working better than when I purchased the car two years ago. I'm really happy with how this rebuild went. Kiyo at Carbonetic/ATS Across was super helpful along the way. I truly appreciate getting great service, and a great product.
Jun 9, 2011, 12:24 PM
#3
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This is good to hear!!
I just installed a twin disc Carbonetic clutch in my car about 3 weeks ago. I was worried about the rebuild cost but looks like i dont have much to worry about.
Thanks for the write up man
I just installed a twin disc Carbonetic clutch in my car about 3 weeks ago. I was worried about the rebuild cost but looks like i dont have much to worry about.
Thanks for the write up man
Jun 9, 2011, 02:56 PM
#5
I have ATS twin in my EVO 1. I agree with above statements. fantastic clutch. drives smooth as silk. grabs hard but doesnt shock drivetrain. I know the plates are long wearing. Its been in car for about a year and I have never had to adjust pedal.
My only complaint is they dont make flywheel heavy enough. all harmonics get right through rattle the clutch hub pretty bad. I am sure the input splines on tranny will need replaced before the clutch wears out.
they have a new twin in development. It reuses factory style pull pressure plate. The flywheel is over 12 pounds so it shouldnt have the above stated issues. plus you can easily change PP to stiffer when you need more holding power.
My only complaint is they dont make flywheel heavy enough. all harmonics get right through rattle the clutch hub pretty bad. I am sure the input splines on tranny will need replaced before the clutch wears out.
they have a new twin in development. It reuses factory style pull pressure plate. The flywheel is over 12 pounds so it shouldnt have the above stated issues. plus you can easily change PP to stiffer when you need more holding power.
Jun 10, 2011, 09:24 AM
#6
I have ATS twin in my EVO 1. I agree with above statements. fantastic clutch. drives smooth as silk. grabs hard but doesnt shock drivetrain. I know the plates are long wearing. Its been in car for about a year and I have never had to adjust pedal.
My only complaint is they dont make flywheel heavy enough. all harmonics get right through rattle the clutch hub pretty bad. I am sure the input splines on tranny will need replaced before the clutch wears out.
they have a new twin in development. It reuses factory style pull pressure plate. The flywheel is over 12 pounds so it shouldnt have the above stated issues. plus you can easily change PP to stiffer when you need more holding power.
My only complaint is they dont make flywheel heavy enough. all harmonics get right through rattle the clutch hub pretty bad. I am sure the input splines on tranny will need replaced before the clutch wears out.
they have a new twin in development. It reuses factory style pull pressure plate. The flywheel is over 12 pounds so it shouldnt have the above stated issues. plus you can easily change PP to stiffer when you need more holding power.
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moyassine (Jul 23, 2017)
Jun 21, 2011, 10:16 PM
#11
i talked to the ppl at ats across and told them i needed a new release bearing and the "slider" it rides on/ what the clutch fork pushes against.. its in about pic next to the bearing, all they sent me was the bearing and acted like they had no clue what i was talking about and didnt speak any English if any! so i had to put the used one back in. were not very healpfull to me but sounds like u had a great experience with them! it is a great clutch i have a twin carbon and love it.
Jun 22, 2011, 04:58 AM
#12
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What are the power mods on this Evo? How much torque does the engine produce? No launches and only street driving? What I am wonddering is how much power can this clutch hold.
Jun 22, 2011, 09:37 AM
#14
I do. PM me for info
Jun 22, 2011, 10:42 AM
#15
Hey Mike glad you cross-posted this over here 
Did you ever get the weight posted up to compare to the others we've had come through the shop?
You know you wana launch your Evo drag style........... everyone does they just dont' wana pick up the pieces lol!
See you at the shop in an about an hour....
Did you ever get the weight posted up to compare to the others we've had come through the shop?
You know you wana launch your Evo drag style........... everyone does they just dont' wana pick up the pieces lol!
See you at the shop in an about an hour....