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!!"

Well, I still have not gotten reimbursed.

Apparently CC paid their distributor the cost of the clutch but this information was never relayed to me until later November and only b/c I followed-up. Also, that information was never given to Fab9 by CC or the distributor so when I finally told Fab9 they had no idea.

Now the follow-up has been with Fab9 since CC has washed their hands of it.

For the record, both CC and Fab9 have been very understanding and receptive, but obviously the delay in anything amounting to reimbursement has been, ah, slow in coming. Fab9 has been especially patient.

I'll update the post again once I get reimbursed.

There is a manufacturer, distributor, and then retailer involved? Fab9 should eat the refund cost and deal with fighting to get the money sent up the chain to them. You shouldn't have to wait for 3 parties to figure their shit out to fix a defective product.

I just got that same clutch from fab 9 hopfully i dont have any issues

CC stated it was a rivet that was not pressed correctly on my clutch which caused the failure, and this manufacturing defect, by their account, does not happen often.

Aside from the clutch failing I loved the way it drove...but alas...

I still think it's funny that people buy comp clutches. They are well documented to not come close to the advertised torque ratings

I must have missed that "documentation." Links? Articles? Also, unless things have changed FM seems to be happy continuing to sell them. It's despite the point of the thread, though.

And what happened to all you cats?!

Well, Fab9 paid me today. However, they have not been paid by the distributor that supposedly CC paid. So, someone is full of BS.

I mentioned to Fba9 that I will be happy to help them recover their money if they felt me having conversations with CC would be productive.

CC will not release to me the name of the distributor so I was not able to take on the process of calling them.

Anyhow, happy Spring.

-Taz

My Comp Clutch Stage 4 seems to hold....and chatter, and be finicky when warm. But I'm looking for new clutch options wondering if FM happy meal 2 will roast under e85 or I should just hate my life and get an ACT ZM2-XTG6.

The twin disc seems to have held up to a lot of big power.

ACT is what is in there now, but nothing crazy like a twin. I thought that chatter with a twin is just how they are? You should find out from FM who actually manufactures the clutches they sell since last I checked with was made by CC to FM specs.

Was the failed clutch in an original, unopened box when you initially received it?

As far as I know, yes, since it was drop shipped from Fab9 to AR Auto Service who installed the clutch...I just called them and as far as they can remember it was sealed, etc.

What is your thinking in asking the question?

Very happy with mine (zm1 tho(1.6)). Do it.

People have been receiving parts from FAB9 in non OEM packaging. Other people have been speculating on what this means. And whether it is a root cause of some issues.

Ooooh....is this recent? My clutch issue stuff started with a purchase nearly a year ago.

I daily that clutch, it's doable. It is grabby, but I'm not stalling or spinning tires from red lights as I've read people describe them. If a FM2 would work it would be better for driveability.

I don't know the details. Just info I've picked up over a couple different threads.

Shady. And I don't mean Slim Shady.

BTW, you have more cats than Curly.

I have a lot more time on my hands than curly.

Skunk2 throttle body I received was in non original packaging. There seem to have been a few other recipients of components that appeared to have been opened boxes or non original packaging. I have nothing against them but I've been attempting to determine if there is a pattern to this.