Release Load

[Biggles 65]

Does anyone have a figure for the release load of a standard 1.6 GTI clutch ?

[welshpug 1,655]

as in clamping force?

[Biggles 65]

No, as in the force applied (through the release bearing) to actuate the clutch cover assembly.

[Biggles 65]

By word of an explanation - I'm curious as to how much heavier to operate a race clutch is supposed to be compared to a standard one (for similar torque capacities obviously).

Edited November 28, 2014 by Biggles

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

Have you got figures for a 1.6gti 'race clutch' to compare with then?

 

I doubt anyone has any figures to be honest. What sort of clutch are you looking at? Single or multi plate?

[Biggles 65]

AP Racing publish the figures on their website for single, twin & triple plate. I also have the figure for a single plate Helix. So plenty of race data. Just need some standard numbers for comparison so thought I'd ask.

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

I think your best bet will be to stack weight on your clutch cover until it moves then, shouldn't be difficult to do.

I was under the impression you wanted the force applied through the pedal rather than directly on the cover, apologies.

 

I can say that my Ap 4 paddle clutch kit with Ap uprated cover wasn't noticeably heavier than the Luk unit I had in previously.

[Biggles 65]

An uprated standard type cover I presume ...

 

I have an idea for measuring it slightly more scientifically than that as the force involved is probably more than you think. Watch this space ...

[Biggles 65]

Well that idea worked really well .

 

The standard 200mm clutch that came out of the car after 6²/₃ rallies has a release force of exactly 300lbs (=136kg)

 

For comparison, both AP Racing and Helix single plate 7¹/₄" race clutches have release forces around 250kg.

[Biggles 65]

Forgot to add - all these figures are for a 150lbft rated clutch.

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

Top man, bit of ingenuity and you've answered it yourself

I wonder how much extra pressure that actually equates to at the pedal, some calculations required......

 

Mine was a standard type uprated cover yes.

[Biggles 65]

Now I've got the method, the interesting one will be when I measure the 7¹/₄" race clutch that's in the car (from a different manufacturer from the ones mentioned) as it sure as 'ell feels a lot more than twice as heavy and that's with an extended clutch arm !