View Full Version : Breaking in a new Clutch...


L337fpc
01-15-2009, 07:54 AM
Well im getting a new clutch on my 2004 rx8. Now I was wondering what I should do to "break-in" the new clutch?

I was told by a good friend that I should shift slowly and smoothly for 1000mi.

Now I just got the AP Pulley installed and a MS Flywheel...shifting slow isn't what I had in mind...

I wanted to know how I should drive with this new clutch and for how long?

And yes I did do a few searches, and if It has been posted elsewhere, bring on the 'repost's.

expo1
01-15-2009, 09:04 AM
I just wouldn't do any 5,000 RPM clutch drops. But I don't do them anyway. I didn't do anything special have I changed mine. 40,000 miles later the 2nd clutch is still working.

04RX8man
01-15-2009, 04:45 PM
just let it surface of the clutch disk "break in" with the surface of the flywheel for a few hundered miles.....don't do any clutch drops from high rpm and drive normal in traffic etc etc.....if alot of highway drivng it won't break in that fast but stop and go with plenty of shifting just a couple hundred

Basically any "flaws" with the flywheel(a small groove if anything) needs to form to the clutch disc material....

REV-illusions
01-15-2009, 05:21 PM
yup... I know clutchmaster's recommends a 500 mile city driving break in period where you don't rev the shit outta out. Basically as expo1 said.. keep it below 5.. and shift as smooth as you can for the 500 and you should be alright after that. It's a pain in the ass but in theory you'll have something which should last you longer.....

L337fpc
01-15-2009, 11:20 PM
Great! Thanks for the info. I pickup my car tomorrow on my lunch break. I can't wait to see the difference with the AP Pulley and the MS Flywheel.

risky business
01-15-2009, 11:23 PM
^^ this is about your sig....


i have hugged my 8 several times.

Transam kid 01
01-15-2009, 11:24 PM
yup... I know clutchmaster's recommends a 500 mile city driving break in period where you don't rev the shit outta out. Basically as expo1 said.. keep it below 5.. and shift as smooth as you can for the 500 and you should be alright after that. It's a pain in the ass but in theory you'll have something which should last you longer.....

I kept mine under 4k for a little over 500, but I'm sure under 5 will be fine

L337fpc
01-16-2009, 12:30 PM
I kept mine under 4k for a little over 500, but I'm sure under 5 will be fine

Good. I picked up the car today...New Tranny, New Clutch, and A MS Flywheel...

Now I've got a new question, is my clutch supposed to feel feather light? Or does that merely mean that I need to continue to break it in?


^^ this is about your sig....


i have hugged my 8 several times.
:) Glad to see im not the only one who has....

Transam kid 01
01-16-2009, 12:49 PM
Good. I picked up the car today...New Tranny, New Clutch, and A MS Flywheel...

Now I've got a new question, is my clutch supposed to feel feather light? Or does that merely mean that I need to continue to break it in?



:) Glad to see im not the only one who has....

Is the clutch OEM?

I replaced mine with a BHR recommended set up, which had a more aggressive clutch and flywheel. With this, my pedal was a lot lighter, so if you have a more aggressive clutch, I would say it is probably normal.

You may also want to invest in a clutch pedal reinforcement kit. There are many members, including me, who have had pedal failures and mine resulted in replacing the clutch :( . BHR does supply the reinforcement kit if you are interested.

L337fpc
01-16-2009, 12:51 PM
Is the clutch OEM?

Yeap the clutch is OEM.

I saw that in BHR's list of products. I just can't afford to spend any money until spring.

J/w, how much is the reinforcement and how hard is it to install?

04RX8man
01-16-2009, 06:43 PM
^lifetime warranty can''t beat that!