I decided to try out the Centerforce Dual-Friction carbon composite disc system to replace my old worn out clutch and pressure plate. I guess one of the advantages of getting your motor rebuilt is that it's a heck of a lot easier to service the clutch! Ray of Garage Autohero did all of the work you see here.
Unless you are simply upgrading the clutch of a new car for performance gains, the pilot and release (throw-out) bearings should always be replaced whenever the clutch is being serviced. It is important to install new bearings since the are difficult to access and relatively inexpensive.
From the interior, the GReddy shift knob , center console, and shifter lever with boot were removed.
From under the car, after the transmission was supported with a floor jack and the chassis was secured on jackstands, the speedometer cable and reverse lamp switch plug were detached. Then, the starter, clutch slave cylinder, down pipe,and transmission as well as the stiffener plate were unbolted.
Since we were pulling out the motor for a complete rebuild, Ray decided that it would be easier free up the transmission and drive shaft from the differential. The flanges were marked before the four bolts and nuts were removed.
The stock pressure plate's bolts were loosened one turn at a time until the spring tension was released. Then, the set bolts were removed and the clutch assembly came off. The flywheel's eight bolts were next.
Here's the worn out clutch and the glazed up flywheel which will be resurfaced and reused.
Here's my filthy transmission (not in a good way) with the retaining clip, release (throw-out) bearing, hub, and fork removed.
The new Centerforce DF523025 Dual Friction kit was packaged very well. Notice how the clutch and flywheel are bolted on to a piece of cardboard? It kept the product from getting bounced around during transit which prevents it from destroying its own packaging.
Unfortunately, the one bearing that Centerforce sent didn't fit. We think it may be designed for the FWD version of the 4AG. So I had to pick up the pilot and release (throw-out) bearings elsewhere. But the alignment tool is a must for clutch installation! Can you say CarDomain orange?
The shiny freshly rebuilt motor is now ready for the flywheel and Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch kit! If you'd like to see more pics of the engine rebuild go to page 3 , and the install on page 5 .
Here's the resurfaced flywheel and new pilot bearing installed. The new Centerforce clutch was installed with the aid of the alignment tool. The new pressure plate was bolted on with several gradual passes then torqued at 14 ft-lb. Installation was a snap since the motor was hanging from a cherry picker!
Ray proceeded to (MP) grease up all the components in the bellhousing including the release fork and contact point, release fork and push rod contact point, release fork and pivot point, clutch disc spline, release bearing inside groove, as well as the front of the release bearing. Then reassembly of the boot, fork, hub, and bearing on transmission were next.
Here it is! Ready to pop-lock-and-drop into the engine bay! I forgot my camera and took these with my phone (which is why the colors look odd).
After the motor was secured, transmission mount (torqued at 38 ft-lb), the stiffener plate and bellhousing (torqued at 27 ft-lb), down pipe, starter (torqued at 27 ft-lb), clutch slave cylinder, and drive shaft (torqued at 31 ft-lb) were bolted back on. Then, the speedometer cable and reverse lamp switch plug were reinstalled. I poured in some new transmission fluid before putting back the shift lever with boot, center console and GReddy shift knob .
The only thing I wasn't looking forward to was the break-in period because it's really hard to keep my right foot from stomping on the pedal! I'll survive.
After the break-in period, I think the Centerforce Dual-Friction is good if you are looking for only a slightly more aggressive than OEM replacement clutch. Still comfortably streetable with stock pedal feel (meaning my wife is able to manage it), but also excellent for occasional "spirited" driving. Only on the track of course!
AE86 Page 1 - before and after | blurbs
AE86 Page 2 - suspension components | before and after suspension installation | mods list
AE86 Page 3 - engine disassembly and removal
AE86 Page 4 - Centerforce clutch installation (you are here)
AE86 Page 5 - engine assembly and installation
AE86 Page 6 - NEW! GReddy Type S Coilover | Power Slot Rotors | Tie Rods & Ball Joints
AE86 Page 7 -2004 meet in Seattle | First Autocross event (placed last) lol | Injen intake pics
AE86 Page 8 - AE86 related videos (including Initial D live action trailer)
