Why do anytime wet friction clutch plates burn?

The first of the causes could be related to the lack or too short oil bathing of the discs before assembly.

It is in fact necessary that the friction clutch plates stay in an oil bath (the same used for the clutch system) for at least one night so that the material get totally wet.

Another cause could also be an incorrect running-in or the "under-sizing" of the total thickness of the clutch pack.

See the video of the production, published on the Clutches page: https://www.newfren.com/products.html?p=DFZ

 

Here are the production processes

How can you run in a clutch set?

After the complete clutch has been fitted, it is recommended to warm up the engine in neutral and then to shift the gears while stationary, using the entire movement of the clutch lever.

When the engine has warmed up, drive at medium-low speed changing gear up and down using the clutch lever. If possible, repeat the operation a few times before driving on the road or race track.

 

Which are the components of the friction material?

  • Organic fibres (e.g.: rockwool, carbon fibre, aramid fibres)
  • Phenolic resins (e.g.: phenolic, resole, melaminic resins)
  • Rubber (natural, styrolic, nitrile rubbers)
  • Reaction accelerators (Mercapti, solphides…..)
  • Metals (steel fibres, iron, aluminium, copper, brass, bronze)
  • Friction modifiers (friction powders, …..)
  • Lubricants (graphite, antimony sulphides,…..)
  • Thickeners (barites, carbonates, alumina, kaolin….)
  • Colorants (carbon blacks, iron oxides ….)
  • Raw materials

The process involves the hot high pressure molding of the powders during which the elements react with each other by welding (140/180 degrees)

See the video of the production, published on the Brake Pads page: https://www.newfren.com/Produit.html?p=FR

 

How is the friction material of wet multidisc clutch set made?

It’ a compound (dough) produced using organic fibers which, after being mixed, are compacted into sheets. Round discs of this material are die cut and then hot stamped over the core of the disc.

The grooves on the friction material that allow the correct flow of the oil are produced with grinding machines.

See the video of the production, published on the Clutches page: https://www.newfren.com/products.html?p=DFZ

 

How is the friction material composed (braking surface)?

  • Metal powders (e.g.: copper, bronze, brass)
  • Abrasivis (small quantity)
  • Lubrificants (small quantity)

The production process involves a strong compaction under a very high pressure and a sintering, during which the metal granules weld to each other at high temperature (800/900 degrees).

See the video of the production, published on the Brake Pads page: https://www.newfren.com/Produit.html?p=FR