Failed competition clutch
 

Posting this to see if others have had a similar issue ever and to ask questions so I can see if there is anything I did wrong so as never to repeat.

The clutch was broken in and then had some dyno sessions. Second session of a HPDE weekend and the clutch just let go. No signs of diminishing power, no undue shuttering, etc. Just no longer engaged out on track.

The clutch is a Competition Clutch, 2100. The car is making about 190ft/lbs. The plan is to send the clutch back to the manufacturer and see if they will honor a 90 day warranty that has elapsed.

The clutch was installed by AR Auto Services at the start of March this year.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1440264566

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1440264566

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1440264566

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...psnx7cxmun.jpg

Attachment 183879

It's not a popular clutch here, if I'm not mistaken. Loved the feel of it though, and while it worked it had no issues controlling the power. So who knows, any FM or ACT clutch could of done the same thing.

However my inclination would be to run a proven setup like FM2 or a ACT HD.

<p></p><p>I mean, the FM2 is still a comp clutch :P</p>

That was my understanding as well (edit, though it appears to be made to "FM specs" but still a CC clutch).

Also, FM site states: "The Level 1 will hold as much torque as the ACT HD."

It's a strange failure. I was shocked when I pulled it out.

Based on the side that is intact, does it look like I did a poor job with the break-in?

I've had similar problems with competition clutch, my spring popped out of the disk on my s2000

I meant to respond to this when you posted, but forgot. This has nothing to do with break-in, it's a failed component, I've successfully broken a few clutches in on the dyno, you didn't do any worse than that.

<p>Heard anything about a warranty? Interested to hear how the customer support is.</p>

I faxed them the paper work needed to generate a return form and have not heard back from them. Everyone I talk to so far over there sounds like they are having a terrible day.

I will follow-up tomorrow by phone since I don't have time during their business hours today.

In the mean time I think I will be very happy with the ACT HD that AR Auto put in for me. I really should learn how to do a clutch.

<p>It sucks without a lift. I bought some 6 ton jackstands so I can get the car like 2 feet in the air. After a couple throwout bearing failures I've got it down to about an evening.</p>

ok, fixed.

andrew, why are you breaking things?

Says the man who bent his wheel, in the winter, driving an AWD car! :rofl:


But in other news, I sent back the clutch minus the throw out bearing and pilot bearing...which might be enough for them to not even look at it since the "warranty" return states those parts need to be sent back as well.

more photos later today.

I added two new photos to be examined by folks.

I bought a used ACT XT in 2007 or so, been shoving lots of boost through it ever since. It's never blinked. I would not hesitate to buy an ACT clutch.

Yeah, so the story goes. Too bad the ACT-HD in my car now is not the one from the start. Lesson learned.

An answer
 

"Hello Andrew,

Thank you for sending your clutch in for inspection. It looks like one of the rivets wasn’t pressed in correctly which almost never happens. We will be happy to warranty this clutch kit for you. Are you looking for a replacement kit? If so please confirm what address you would like it sent to.

Thanks,


Clifton V.
Warranty/Tech/Returns
Competition Clutch, Inc
Phone: 1-800-809-6598
Fax: 678-623-3311
http://www.competitionclutch.com/
Facebook – Twitter – Foursquare"

<p>Did they offer a refund?</p>

Yes, but not directly. I am now chatting with Fab9 Tuning who sold me the clutch since it sounds like CC reimburses Fab9 who reimburses me.

"I want my two dollars!!"