Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 12:43:42 AM

Title: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 12:43:42 AM
I want to take apart and clean my clutch (not the basket). I am wondering if anyone can give me the benefits of cleaning, a quick how to clean and what to clean etc...

Im wondering is it as simple as taking the clutch pressure plate out, and sliding the clutch pack out? Does anything need to be unbolted etc after the pressure plate is off? I will obviously keep the clutch in order when i dissasemble, but with assembly, does the orientation (ie 12,3,6,9) make a difference when putting the clutch back in or is it as simple as just placing it back in order it was taken out?? Anythign (apart fromn the pressure plate) need to be lined up with anything?

Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 29, 2010, 02:15:18 AM
Quote from: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 12:43:42 AM
I want to take apart and clean my clutch (not the basket). I am wondering if anyone can give me the benefits of cleaning, a quick how to clean and what to clean etc...

Im wondering is it as simple as taking the clutch pressure plate out, and sliding the clutch pack out? Does anything need to be unbolted etc after the pressure plate is off? I will obviously keep the clutch in order when i dissasemble, but with assembly, does the orientation (ie 12,3,6,9) make a difference when putting the clutch back in or is it as simple as just placing it back in order it was taken out?? Anythign (apart fromn the pressure plate) need to be lined up with anything?

Thanks in advance



Sounds like you got it.  Are you having a problem?
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 02:20:44 AM
No have not done it yet, just want to make sure i have it right before i do it.

So is the above correct? does it not matter on the orientation, just the order they were taken out? How about cleaning???

Cheers

A
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howley on July 29, 2010, 04:14:49 AM
I believe the order and orientation doesn't matter as long as they alternate, but I think there is two plain plates that have to go in first, then a friction plate, then a plain plate with a dot on it that has to go in the correct way (? someone will confirm and deny this).
Also you have to make sure the pressure plate goes on with the arrow on the plate lined up with the slot on the post.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 29, 2010, 08:10:25 AM
The curved plate needs to go in the correct way.  Sometimes people shuffle the others hoping to solve grabbing and noises.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't.  Lightly sand the friction plates and the steels.  If you are not having a problem, just take the cover off and blow it out with compressed air. 

Old adage:
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Enzoman on July 29, 2010, 12:31:37 PM
Quote from: howie on July 29, 2010, 08:10:25 AM
The curved plate needs to go in the correct way.  Sometimes people shuffle the others hoping to solve grabbing and noises.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't.  Lightly sand the friction plates and the steels.  If you are not having a problem, just take the cover off and blow it out with compressed air. 

Old adage:
If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Can you elaborate on the "grabbing and noises" issue. My clutch seems to be very grabby lately. As in when leaving from a stop I get alot of bucking and jerking. It didn't do this at first but it seems the more miles I get on it the worse it gets. Do you think dissasembling/cleaning and reassembling will help? Or am I doing something wrong?
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: avidrider on July 29, 2010, 01:06:39 PM
It might be some abnormal wear on the plates or damage to the basket. I would pull the cover off and at least inspect the basket.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 01:08:28 PM
Quote from: howie on July 29, 2010, 08:10:25 AM
The curved plate needs to go in the correct way.  Sometimes people shuffle the others hoping to solve grabbing and noises.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't.  Lightly sand the friction plates and the steels.  If you are not having a problem, just take the cover off and blow it out with compressed air. 

Old adage:
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
When you say the curved plates need to go in the right way, do you mean facing in or out or the orientation of the around 360 degrees?

Cheers

A
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: herm on July 29, 2010, 01:12:26 PM
Quote from: Enzoman on July 29, 2010, 12:31:37 PM
Can you elaborate on the "grabbing and noises" issue. My clutch seems to be very grabby lately. As in when leaving from a stop I get alot of bucking and jerking. It didn't do this at first but it seems the more miles I get on it the worse it gets. Do you think dissasembling/cleaning and reassembling will help? Or am I doing something wrong?
mine does the same thing, and i have been told a couple different reasons
1) its dirty, and cleaning it did in fact help (this was around 6k)
2) its getting worn, so tighter, and might be time for a new set of plates and basket (haven't gone there yet) (close to 12k)
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: scduc on July 29, 2010, 02:45:11 PM
If you do decide to blow it out, please wear a mask. The dust is not good for you to breath.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 03:51:23 PM
yeah, i realized that...... to late :) still stuck in my throat and eyes  [bang]
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 29, 2010, 06:09:49 PM
Quote from: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 01:08:28 PM
When you say the curved plates need to go in the right way, do you mean facing in or out or the orientation of the around 360 degrees?

Cheers

A

In or out, I don't remember which.

Quote from: scduc on July 29, 2010, 02:45:11 PM
If you do decide to blow it out, please wear a mask. The dust is not good for you to breath.

Doh [bang] forgot to mention that, sorry.

Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: ducpainter on July 29, 2010, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: howie on July 29, 2010, 08:10:25 AM
The curved plate needs to go in the correct way.  <snip>
Vet says it doesn't really matter.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 29, 2010, 06:42:03 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on July 29, 2010, 06:15:02 PM
Vet says it doesn't really matter.

Then I think one can assume it doesn't matter. 
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 07:49:15 PM
Who is vet? I gave them a quick sand and clean. I have not changed clutch plates before but there is about 1/2mm left on the clutch plate. Is it time for a new set?
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 30, 2010, 01:46:25 AM
Eric

http://www.clubhousemotorsports.com (http://www.clubhousemotorsports.com)

One of the best!
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: motox79 on July 30, 2010, 04:18:37 AM
Guys!  THe very first plate is a "spring plate" You will notice that it is thinner, and not perfectly flat. Orientation does not matter, just make sure you put it in first. Next goes in a steel plate. NOW.....IMPORTANT....If you look at the plate you will notice it is stamped steel. One edge will be rounded (where the die stamed out from the top) the other side will have a "sharp" or squared off edge. When you are putting in the steel plates, make sure the rounded edge faces out (towards you) This allows the plates to "float" away and seperate from the fritction plates. If you put them with the sharp edge facing out, they can hang up and make for some "stick" in the clutch (as they don't always release smoothly when pressure is taken off the pressure plate!) Also, a general rule of thumb...Make sure you stack height is about 37.5-37.8mm thick (this is the combined height of all friction and steel plates)  And make sure you always end with a steel plate against the pressure plate (a friction plate will chew up your pressure plate in no time). While you are at it, check the bearing in your pressure plate as it takes quite a bit of heat and abuse. Finally, if you are replacing a clutch, make sure you get the correct clutch set. There are two. The older bikes have a steel clutch basket. For those you need friction plates that are steel (they are heavier, but if you use the alumnium friction plates, you will rip the "prongs" off in no times) If you use steel plates in an alumnium basket, you will destroy the basket. Hope this helps
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: 64duc on July 30, 2010, 09:31:31 AM
Quote from: cakeman on July 29, 2010, 12:43:42 AM
I want to take apart and clean my clutch (not the basket). I am wondering if anyone can give me the benefits of cleaning, a quick how to clean and what to clean etc...

  Old adage:
If it ain't broke don't fix it.

+1


 Benefits of cleaning = none.

 How to = remove clutch cover and blow out with compressed air.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: herm on July 30, 2010, 09:50:29 AM
Quote from: 64duc on July 30, 2010, 09:31:31 AM
  Old adage:
If it ain't broke don't fix it.

+1


  Benefits of cleaning = none.

  How to = remove clutch cover and blow out with compressed air.

i would respectfully disagree. over time you will get build up on the plates, which will tighten up the clutch pack and lead to some of the dragging sensation that others have mentioned (and that I have experienced) as well as possibly shortening the life of the plates (no proof of that, but it makes sense to me.) Sanding the plates lightly and cleaning everything up reduces both issues IMO.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: yotogi on July 30, 2010, 01:55:04 PM
Blow them out or disassemble and clean.

Before I switched to an open cover, I used to get a bad groan from the clutch when taking off. After cleaning it would go away. My guess was that the clutch dust buildup was causing some slippage and the noise.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: cakeman on July 30, 2010, 02:16:54 PM
I have taken half of it apart, couldn't get to the other half, need some magnets. I haven't changed a clutch before but noticed there is only about 1/2mm left on the clutch on each clutch plate...... Is it time for a new clutch?
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: Howie on July 30, 2010, 06:35:21 PM
Quote from: herm on July 30, 2010, 09:50:29 AM
i would respectfully disagree. over time you will get build up on the plates, which will tighten up the clutch pack and lead to some of the dragging sensation that others have mentioned (and that I have experienced) as well as possibly shortening the life of the plates (no proof of that, but it makes sense to me.) Sanding the plates lightly and cleaning everything up reduces both issues IMO.

Agreed, but if you don't wait too long compressed air should do it or the good ol'e open clutch cover allows for pretty good self cleaning.
Title: Re: Taking apart and cleaning dry clutch?
Post by: koko64 on July 30, 2010, 07:15:09 PM
+1 on the open covers promoting self cleaning. Air cooling's gotta help a dry clutch.
I must be getting old but I went back to the stock cover. I cleaned it out last night and it was filthy in there. The powder like dust in there could not help clutch performance at all.