Hi group;

My R56 clutch throw out bearing is making noise and have been told that it needs replacement or possibly the whole clutch kit. Since this is a big job, I was wondering if someone is running the: OS Giken Star kit or the clutch Master’s kit that comes with the flywheel for opinion and experience. I figure, I could upgrade while at it.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...endations.html

Clutch master for steel and aluminum conversions are the most popular are the FX100, great for daily and some track use. OS Giken has some really good and high-quality finish. People like that clutch for track and high usages in racing applications, also good for daily.

 

Sooo... I ordered a Valeo clutch from Amazon, from the Valeo store. What came appeared to be in an original Valeo double-nylon band strap box. What I was very unhappy with was that the contents were not well packaged. This was a 39lb box, the flywheel was on the bottom, there were two narrow strips of cardboard and a piece of butcher paper between the flywheel and the clutch disk, then another couple narrow pieces of cardboard, and a square of butcher paper between the clutch disk, and the outer piece. Basically, the packing did not even cover the entire items, and direct contact between all components occurred in transit. The dowels in the flywheel obviously had contact with, and chipped edges off of the clutch disk, and there was also a crack in one place through the fibrous material.


Amazon took it back, but this appeared to be manufacturer packing. It was not 3rd party. For $400 worth of parts, i would expect there to be some pretty serious packing with these heavy parts.

I re-ordered the kit through rockauto. We will see how it goes. I'm not confident it will be any different, unless they repackage this prior to shipment. However, there is never anyone to talk to there. I suppose thats why its $70 cheaper. Perhaps FCPEuro will be the way to go if this doesnt go well. I can at least talk to a human there.

Curious on other's experience with this.

 

I'm curious about ANY uprated/stronger clutch causing problems with the stock thrust bearing on the main-crank-bearing caps.

Is this not an issue on these engines?

 

IMO, If the car is not heavily tuned and is a daily driver that will never see a track, then install a new OEM set-up (Luk). The stock clutch is actually very good.
Some people love the lighter one-piece flywheel and others have had issues with chatter that drives them nuts.

 

I've never heard of anyone having crank walk issues on these cars. Then again the most popular aftermarket clutch options typically don't have heavier pressure plates, just better friction materials.