Recently, our technical department received some questions about dual-friction clutch discs. Here’s why ACT chooses to go with the same friction materials on each side of our clutch discs.
Two of the most important concepts in performance clutch functionality are flatness and parallelism. When using anything other than identical friction materials on each side of a clutch disc, the differences in thermal conductivity and coefficient of friction create an unavoidable variance in temperature between the two disc surfaces as the clutch heats up. This temperature difference, combined with the unmatched thermal expansion properties, creates a condition where the disc is vulnerable to deforming out of flat and, in some cases, out of parallel as well.
Out of flat and out of parallel discs contribute to poor shifting (more pedal travel required), clutch drag and judder. You want a flat cracker but you might end up with a wavy potato chip.
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Increased gear rattle noise may occur when changing to an aftermarket performance clutch and/or flywheel, including ACT’s products. The most common gear rattle noise occurs when a vehicle is idling in neutral after a long drive or on a hot day. It sounds like a light knocking or growling sound. Gear rattle is an audible noise transmitted from the impacts between the transmission gear teeth. A vehicle engine’s torsional vibrations (momentary angular acceleration) pass through a transmission causing the separation and resulting impact of the gear teeth. Gear rattle is not to be confused with clutch chatter or out-of-balance vibrations; both of which are conditions mostly felt and generally, not heard. In general, gear rattle is not harmful to the transmission, but can be an annoyance to the driver. It can become a serious concern if misdiagnosed as a transmission or engine problem. Traditionally, automakers have dampened torsional vibrations by using a clutch disc with...
When using a lightened flywheel with the Subaru WRX, the check engine light (CEL) has been known to come on for no reason on some vehicles. Because the high inertia of the factory flywheel is not there to smooth out the idle, it can be slightly rougher than stock with a lightweight, aftermarket flywheel. The CEL is the ECU interpreting the change in idle as a misfire in the electrical system. There is no misfire in the electrical system, but this is the only way the ECU has to interpret the change in idle with its programming. The only way to avoid getting the CEL is to use a heavier flywheel, such as the stock flywheel. This has been observed occasionally with flywheels as heavy as 12.5 pounds, but more commonly with lighter flywheels, like the ACT Prolite at 9.6 pounds or aluminum flywheels...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, April 30th, 2020 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released a range of clutch kits for the BMW M54 6-Speed Applications.
ACT’s new Clutch Kits for the BMW M54 include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, a choice of Disc, Release Bearing and Alignment Tool. The Heavy Duty Pressure Plate incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear and provides a 51% increase in clamp force over the stock unit.
The ACT Street Clutch Kits combine the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate with a Performance Organic Street Disc. The disc features premium organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and modifications...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, April 30th, 2020 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released a range of Clutch Kits for the BMW N51 and N52 Applications.
ACT’s new Clutch Kits for the BMW N51 and N52 include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, a choice of Disc, Release Bearing and Alignment Tool. The Heavy Duty Pressure Plate incorporates hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear and provides a 51% increase in clamp force over the stock unit.
The ACT Street Clutch Kits combine the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate with a Performance Organic Street Disc. The disc features premium organic friction materials able to withstand increased heat and abuse, steel-backed linings for high-burst strength and...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, April 30th, 2020 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) is pleased to announce our new Streetlite Flywheel, for BMW N51 and N52 Applications
This Flywheel is a lightweight, single-mass upgrade to the OEM Dual-Mass Flywheel for these applications. It is designed for performance and affordability without compromising a smooth idle. This one-piece, forged Chromoly steel flywheel is CNC- machined and features an induction-hardened, integral ring gear for increased durability. ACT flywheels are engineered for strength and allow costeffective resurfacing.
Driver and spectator safety are a top priority at ACT. Each ACT Flywheel is certified to meet SFI Specification 1.1 standards...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, December 20th, 2019 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released a range of clutch kits for the 2017-2019 Honda Civic Type R.
The 10th Generation Civic Type R is the ultimate Honda-lovers goal. Already responsive and powerful as delivered, this latest platform is being explored for serious transformations in power output. As those improvements surpass the capabilities of the OE clutch components, ACT is again stepping up to provide the latest clutch developments - just as Honda drivers have counted on for over two decades.
ACT’s new Clutch Kits for the Civic Type R include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, Streetlite Flywheel, a choice of Disc...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, December 20th, 2019 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has released a range of clutch kits for the 2017-2018 Honda Civic and for the 2017-2019 Civic Si 1.5L Turbo.
Honda’s exciting 10th Generation Civic has created a big stir in the aftermarket. Many performance upgrades are being offered that have resulted in OE clutch and flywheel overload. ACT has provided solutions Honda drivers have counted on for over two decades, and we are proud to bring the very latest in clutch technology to the new Civic.
ACT’s new Clutch Kits for the Honda Civic include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, Streetlite Flywheel, a choice of Disc, Release Bearing, Pilot Bearing and Alignment...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, Novermber 21, 2019 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) is pleased to announce our new high inertia Pro-Mass Flywheel for all 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK manual shift models.
The 44lb Pro-Mass Flywheel boasts a 28% increase of inertia reducing the chance of stalling or rapid RPM loss, making drivability easier over tough obstacles and terrain. For versatility, ACT’s new Flywheel is a direct replacement to the OEM Flywheel and can be used with the OEM 11” Clutch but offers the benefit of 16% more clutch surface area when combined with the ACT Clutch. A second bolt pattern is also drilled for use with the earlier 10.5” JK Clutch if desired.
For the assurance of safety, each...
LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, November 21, 2019 — Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) is pleased to announce new Clutch Kits for the 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK.
ACT’s new Clutch Kits for the Jeep Wrangler include a Heavy Duty Pressure Plate, a choice of Disc, Release Bearing, Pilot Bearing, and Alignment Tool. ACT’s Heavy Duty Pressure Plate will increase torque capacity, durability and clutch life by providing 21% more clamping force, increased surface area, exclusive ductile iron casting, and hardened diaphragm fingers for decreased wear.
The ACT Performance Street Clutch Kit combines the Heavy Duty Pressure Plate with a Performance Organic Street Disc for smooth engagement and predictable...