Am I abusing this old clutch?

[72828]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to decide whether I can push the clutch job out until winter to if I have to jump in now.

The clutch on my R75/6 is certainly due for replacement and I have no problem replacing all of the main parts if they are worn, so I'm not too concerned with wear to existing surfaces.

I just did a spline lube and the splines look fine so I'm not concerned there.

Question: When I release the clutch handle all the way, there is a slight screeching sound as the surfaces mate. This is probably due to the rivets starting to come in contact with the pressure plate, but I can't be sure.

If I plan to replace the major parts, do you all think that the screeching sound is critical? Is there a chance the clutch will fail me out on the road? Is there a chance that I could cause other damage outside of the clutch assembly?

thanks for the help. I just have to decide if I need to place a parts order now of if I can wait until winter!

Best,:thumb

Marley

[20774]

My guess is the screeching sound is not rivets but the fingers of the spring (#1) rubbing on the pressure plate (#2) as the spring compresses and slides in-out on the back of the pressure plate.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0267&mospid=47837&btnr=21_0070&hg=21&fg=05

This will have to be taken care of during the clutch change by putting some lubricant on the fingers...similar lubricant as you put on the input splines.

Not really a big deal...just annoying...

I think the clutch will start slipping long before the rivets begin to make contact. You'll notice the slipping in high gear pulling up a hill or into the wind. Most likely when you do go in for a clutch overhaul, you'll end up replacing all the parts. So, if something is scraping, etc., you'll put in the new parts. That's what I plan on doing when I R&R mine...I'm not going to worry about measure this or that...just replace all the parts...

[rpeckham136133]

I concur with 20774: most likely the clutch spring fingers. Ride it!

Unless you feel something "amiss" when you pull in the clutch (you would feel a bad throwout bearing probably), and it isn't slipping,...... Ride it!

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Marley, I have the opposite take on the clutch problem, repair it now.

It takes less than 5 hours to replace the clutch, order the parts, spend a saturday morning doing it, and then ride worry free for the remainder of the season.

Regards, Rod.

[Isamemon]

If it is the rivets, can it be eating into the flywheel ?? Were you planning to replace it also ?
I guess a lot depends on how much you will ride it before you tear down for the winter
I hate noise that is not supposed to be there and I would be riding with the little nag in the back of my head....am I gonna make it home today ???
Love BMW's, but no bike is fun sitting on the side of the road dead.:dunno

[rinty]

...eating into the flywheel? Isamemon

That's what I was wondering too. I don't know if the cost of a used flywheel is that much , however.

But I think I'd get in there now and deal with things rather than tickle the belly of the dragon.:)

Rinty

[rpeckham136133]

]If it is the rivets, can it be eating into the flywheel ??[/COLOR] Were you planning to replace it also ?
I guess a lot depends on how much you will ride it before you tear down for the winter


Take a good look at this picture, and imagine that you are looking at the flywheel-side of these parts:
http://bpeckm.smugmug.com/photos/346438110_Qunqa-S.jpg

The spring actually fits tightly within the rim of the flywheel, it's center fingers are the place where we "think" the screech/squeal is going on. Notice that the spring does not bolt to anything, it just sits there, spinning with the clutch. Those fingers press against the back of a metal dish (#2) which is bolted to the pressure plate. The clutch plate actually "drives" the transmission: the tranny input shaft is splined and fits into the center of the driven clutch plate. The squeal happens when the clutch rod pushes against the plate and there is momentary "speed difference", either with the rod end or the spring fingers. Not likely to hurt anything, but of course should be lubed when re-done.

[535is]

... and after all these 'gloom & doom' predictions, I would hazard the guess that it might be just a little glazing of the clutch plates. While not exactly desirable, not exactly unusual, either, even on a new clutch.