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Installation Questions

  1. Does Centerforce require the flywheel to be resurfaced before installing a new clutch?
  2. Do Centerforce clutches require a break in period?
  3. Does Centerforce recommend using a liquid thread locker on pressure plate and flywheel bolts?
  4. Is it necessary to use the alignment dowel pins on my flywheel?
  5. What type of pressure plate bolts should be used with my Centerforce clutch?
  6. What are the clutch bolt torque specifications?
  7. Are there any special modifications necessary to install a Centerforce clutch?
  8. Are Centerforce clutches pre-balanced?
  9. Does Centerforce recommend changing the pilot bearing/bushing when installing a new clutch?
  10. How important is proper bellhousing alignment?
  11. Can I use a Centerforce disc with my brand x pressure plate or Centerforce pressure plate with my brand x disc?
  12. My new throwout bearing appears to be off center on the bearing retainer and wobbles, is it defective?
  13. Will the Centerforce weight system interfere with my throwout bearing?
  14. My new Centerforce did not come with the weights on the clutch diaphragm fingers, was it built improperly?
  15. What parts in the clutch system/linkage should I inspect before installing a new clutch?
  16. My new Centerforce clutch looks different from any other clutch I’ve seen, should I remove the Centerforce weights from the clutch fingers?

Q: Does Centerforce require the flywheel to be resurfaced before installing a new clutch?

Yes! Flywheels are subject to heat, scoring and warping during use; therefore the flywheel should always be properly resurfaced or replaced to assure good clutch performance. Resurfacing must be performed on a qualified flywheel grinding machine. Centerforce does not recommend resurfacing flywheels on a lathe or a blanchard grinder. Also, be aware that using a hand-held electric or pneumatic grinder/sander or scuffing the surface with sandpaper does not constitute a properly resurfaced flywheel. Refer to your factory service manual for specifics on your vehicle regarding flywheel resurfacing and specifications (flat, step, etc.). Some vehicles require new replacement flywheels instead of resurfacing. Please consult the factory service manual or call our tech. Line at (928) 771-8422 if you have any questions

Q: Do Centerforce clutches require a break in period?

Yes

Q: Does Centerforce recommend using a liquid thread locker on pressure plate and flywheel bolts?

Yes, using a medium viscocity liquid thread locker reduces the possibility of pressure plate and flywheel bolts from coming loose.

Q: Is it necessary to use the alignment dowel pins on my flywheel?

On flywheels that originally use alignment dowel pins, the answer is yes! The alignment dowel pins properly locate the pressure plate to the flywheel for balance purposes as well as add pressure plate to flywheel shear strength. The alignment dowel pins should always be replaced if they are damaged, broken off, or missing from the flywheel.

Q: What type of pressure plate bolts should be used with my Centerforce clutch?

Centerforce clutches are designed to be used with stock O.E.M. Style bolts or aftermarket bolts designed specifically for pressure plate retention. Clutch hardware must endure high loads, be sure replacement bolts are of high quality and match stock O.E.M. Bolt configuration, (i.e. If stock bolts are shouldered, replacement bolts should be shouldered too).

Q: What are the clutch bolt torque specifications?

Bolt torque value should be determined by the bolt manufacturer or if using stock O.E.M. Bolts, refer to your vehicle's service manual for proper torque specifications. Proper torque is crucial to your safety, take the time to get the correct pressure plate assembly and flywheel bolt torque specifications and tighten the bolts correctly using a high-quality torque wrench.

Q: Are there any special modifications necessary to install a Centerforce clutch?

All patented Centerforce clutch assemblies are designed to be a direct bolt-in replacement for the stock clutch assembly. If any of the surrounding clutch components (bell housing, flywheel, linkage, etc) have been changed from original, be sure they match stock (O.E.M.) specifications or contact our technical department at (928) 771-8422 for assistance.

Q: Are Centerforce clutches pre-balanced?

Yes! All Centerforce clutch assemblies are balanced to original factory equipment specifications.

Q: Does Centerforce recommend changing the pilot bearing/bushing when installing a new clutch?

Yes, if your vehicle is equipped with a pilot bushing or bearing, it is always recommended to replace it during the new clutch installation process. Where applicable, it is recommended to upgrade from a pilot bushing to a roller needle or ball bearing type pilot bearing.

Q: How important is proper bellhousing alignment?

Bellhousing alignment is crucial for proper clutch function and reliability of the related components. Due to manufacturing tolerances of engine blocks and bellhousings, it is possible for the transmission centerline and crankshaft centerline to be misaligned. The result of this misalignment may be hard shifting, pilot bearing wear, transmission main shaft bearing wear, and failure of the clutch disc hub. Please refer to your factory service manual or contact our technical department at (928) 771-8422 for proper bellhousing alignment procedure.

Q: Can I use a Centerforce disc with my brand x pressure plate or Centerforce pressure plate with my brand x disc?

It is not recommended to use Centerforce components with other manufacturers' pressure plates or discs. Centerforce parts are designed to work as matched sets and to give superior clutch performance as well as reliable operation. We cannot guaranty parts from other manufactures.

Q: My new throwout bearing appears to be off center on the bearing retainer and wobbles, is it defective?

Although this may look abnormal, this bearing movement is one of its design features. Centerforce strives to supply only the best quality bearings available, for most applications we prefer to use a self-aligning or self-centering type throwout bearing. This bearing may appear to be off-center or improperly manufactured, however, rest assured, the bearing will align and center itself properly during normal usage.

Q: Will the Centerforce weight system interfere with my throwout bearing?

No! The patented Centerforce weights are limited to travel, they will not interfere with the throwout bearing, or make noise during operation.

Q: My new Centerforce did not come with the weights on the clutch diaphragm fingers, was it built improperly?

We utilize the patented Centerforce weight system on all applications that are possible. However, in space-limited applications (most front-wheel-drive cars), it may not be feasible to use the Centerforce weights due to clearance restrictions in the bell housing. Rest assured, Centerforce has modified these clutch assemblies to increase the overall holding capacity without having the centrifugal weight system.

Q: What parts in the clutch system/linkage should I inspect before installing a new clutch?

All related clutch parts should be checked for wear or possible problems. The clutch linkage starting from the clutch pedal bushings to the bellcrank (z-bar) to the clutch fork and pivot ball should be inspected for wear and damage, any questionable parts should be repaired or replaced. If your vehicle uses a hydraulic linkage system, check for any hydraulic leaks as well as wear on the push and pull rods operating the hydraulics and all hoses.

Q: My new Centerforce clutch looks different from any other clutch I’ve seen, should I remove the Centerforce weights from the clutch fingers?

No! The patented Centerforce clutch system should not be altered or tampered with. The Centerforce clutch is designed to be a direct performance replacement clutch system, and should not be modified. The Centerforce weight system is one of the design features incorporated into your new clutch. The weights are designed to add centrifugal assist to the diaphragm clutch spring and increase the clamping force as engine rpm is increased. The weights should be left as installed to assure proper clutch performance.