You've done the hard part: you've purchased and installed a new McLeod Racing clutch kit. Now you just need to break it in!
Breaking in a clutch ensures a proper seating of the clutch discs with the pressure plate and flywheel. You'll want to make sure this is done correctly so that your clutch operates at its best and you have no issues.
In short, to break in your new McLeod clutch kit you'll just need to drive about 500 miles in regular stop-and-go city traffic, aka not just doing 70mph on the highway. This equates to about 900-1000 clutch cycles which is the recommended break in procedure.
We're so glad you asked! There's a few tips & tricks that McLeod offers, from install to break-in procedure, that will make sure your McLeod clutch kit will be engaging properly.
Flywheel. When installing your new McLeod Racing clutch, if you are reusing your existing flywheel you will want to make sure that is is properly resurfaced. McLeod recommends an 80-120 grit surface finish, once in which a cross hatch is visible and if you run your fingernail across it, it will catch. It's also recommended to spray it down with some brake cleaner to make sure it's free of any inhibitors or other contaminants. This will make sure that the disc properly seats and will also help combat clutch chatter.
Balance. The next recommendation from McLeod Racing is to have the clutch & your flywheel assembly balanced together. This step helps to avoid any issues with vibrations at specific RPMs. Think of this as similar to balancing a new wheel & tire setup.
Break-in. The last part, and why we're here, is breaking in your McLeod Racing clutch. During this break-in period, you may experience some chatter or even smells. However, once broken in you will have an awesome, strong clutch that is very friendly on the street as well.
Bob Scheid of McLeod Racing states, "You can’t just hop on the freeway with these new performance clutches and drive across the state. It’s got to be on and off the pedal, so you get heat cycles in and out of the clutch materials.”
While there are no issues with driving across the state with your new clutch, even though it won't be part of your break in miles, there are things you do NOT want to do with your new clutch kit, including putting the car on a dyno. "The harmonics of a chassis dyno destroy a brand-new clutch without following its break-in agenda," says Scheid.
Once you've broken in your clutch, you are free to drive, dyno and race your car. Enjoy your new, awesome McLeod Racing clutch kit!
If you have any questions about your new McLeod clutch or any other performance parts & accessories we carry, please give us a shout!
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Sources: McLeod Racing, MotorTrend (Header image)
Yes, break-in is critical to ensure proper seating of the clutch discs against the flywheel and pressure plate for optimal performance and longevity.
You should drive approximately 500 miles under normal street conditions.
Stop-and-go city driving is ideal because it creates the necessary clutch engagement cycles.
Roughly 900 to 1000 clutch cycles are recommended for proper break-in.
No, you should avoid racing until the clutch is fully broken in.
No, dyno testing should be avoided as it can damage a new clutch before it is properly seated.
It ensures proper friction surface mating between the clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel.
Yes, proper break-in significantly increases clutch durability and performance.
You can safely dyno, race, and fully enjoy your clutch’s performance.
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