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! 

Why do I need to break in my clutch? 

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. 

How do I break in my McLeod Racing clutch? 

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. 

Is there anything else involved in making sure my McLeod clutch will perform correctly?

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!
#teamlethal

Sources: McLeod Racing, MotorTrend (Header image)

About the Author

Christy, better known as Cougs, has been part of #teamlethal since 2008. When she’s not with her better half, Alex, at a Drag & Drive racing event or posted up at a brewery, she’s enjoying a horror flick or crafting a new costume for the Mustang King.