Exedy Buying Guide for Onroad & Offroad Performance

Author: Josh   Date Posted:10 January 2023 


Author: Josh

 

When choosing a new Exedy clutch kit, there are multiple factors to take into consideration before you purchase. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a heavy duty 4x4 clutch kit to increase offroad performance, a spring loaded cushion button kit to hit the track with or if you’re just after an OE replacement to get the vehicle back on the road. We’ve developed this Exedy clutch kit buying guide to help you wrap your head around everything clutches.

 

What is a clutch and how does it work?
Exedy Clutch Kit Buying Guide 

          

The role of the clutch is to disconnect the engine from the rest of your driveline to prevent your vehicle’s engine from stalling as soon as you stop as well as facilitate smooth gear shifts.

At the rear of your engine is a large metal disc called a flywheel which the clutch plate and pressure plate are bolted to.

When you release your foot off the clutch pedal the pressure plate pushes into the clutch plate which then pushes into the flywheel, the high friction brake pad like material on the clutch plate bites into the flywheel and is locked into each other which sends drive to the wheels via the gearbox.  

Why Exedy?

There are several reasons why you should consider choosing Exedy clutches for your vehicle. First, Exedy is a well-respected and trusted brand in the automotive industry, known for producing high-quality and reliable products. Their clutches are no exception, offering excellent performance and durability. In addition, Exedy offers a wide range of clutches to fit a variety of vehicles and applications, so you can find the perfect one for your specific needs. Another advantage of Exedy clutches is that they are backed by a strong warranty, giving you peace of mind and protection against any potential defects or issues. Overall, choosing an Exedy clutch is a smart decision that will provide you with excellent performance and reliability for your vehicle.

Clutch Plate 

Clutch Plate

  • The clutch plate with it’s rough surface grips the flywheel and the clutch cover/pressure plate together.
     
  • The clutch plate is made up of the same material as a brake pad as it job is to also absorb a lot of the shock from engaging and disengaging the clutch.
     
  • This makes it the most common part to wear and tear overtime.
  

Flywheel Construction

 Flywheel (Optional*)

  • The flywheel is attached to the crankshaft and clutch and helps transput the kinetic energy of the engine to the rest of the car.
     
  • Some cars come out of the factory with Dual Mass or a Single Mass flywheel, a DMF has 2 flywheels pressed together and a SMF is a single flywheel.
     
  • If you have a DMF you need to replace it every time you change your clutch however if you have a SMF you can change the clutch without changing the flywheel.
     
  • This is why DMF > SMF conversion kits are popular as they are more convenient and make changing your clutch much less expensive in the long run.
  

Flywheel

 Clutch Cover (aka Pressure Plate)

  • The clutch cover also known as pressure plate is what disengages the clutch allowing you to switch gears.
     
  • If the power from the crankshaft isn’t disengaged the engine will stall/shut off.
  

Clutch Cover / Pressure PlateClutch Cover / Pressure Plate

 Spigot Bearing / Alignment Tool

  • The spigot bearing supports the input shaft of the gearbox, if the bush wears out it could lead to the gearbox being misaligned.
     
  • Helps with installation of the specific clutch making sure it is aligned perfectly.

          

 

            


What kills clutches and how to know when to change?

Just like any other vehicle, component clutches are constantly wearing down over time and should be replaced as soon as signs of clutch failure begin. By principal clutches are constantly losing material every time it is engaged so wear and tear of clutches is an inevitable reality. On top of general wear and tear there are many things that can reduce the overall life of your clutch if you’re not aware. Most problems occur around the clutch plate with the reduction of friction material resulting in failure to grip to the flywheel known as clutch slip. Premature clutch friction material deterioration in cars is generally caused by putting more load into the system that the clutch can handle leading to clutch slip. Examples of extra load include heavy towing or steel accessories, power upgrades or even fitting larger tyres.
 

Should I get an upgraded clutch?

If you’re a relatively serious offroader or performance head and have heavy accessories fitted to the vehicle, power upgrades, tunes, high towing requirements etc, the short answer is: definitely yes. If any of the before mentioned criteria applies to you, you’re probably asking more from your clutch than it was physically designed to handle. This is especially the case for later model cars as the standard units are so limited that a 10hp upgrade would invalidate any warranties surrounding the clutch which begs the question, how would serious off roading or high performance driving hold up with my clutch then? If you feel like your car’s clutch isn’t working as hard as it used to, it's more than likely a slipping clutch and you’re in prime position to get yourself a clutch upgrade.  


Exedy's range of clutches

Heavy duty clutches are definitely a spectrum and the biggest most powerful upgrade isn’t always the best, you need to take into account your torque and towing requirements prior to selecting the perfect clutch for you. The last thing you want is a clutch with too much bite and drives as hard as a rock, best believe an overpowered clutch will chew out just as fast and an underpowered one. This is why Exedy offers a VAST range of standard and upgraded clutches to suit various lifestyles.
 

 OE Replacement

OE replacement clutch

  • Exedy supplies the most complete range of clutches for the passenger motor vehicles, designed and built to OE specifications.
     
  • Standard OEM replacement kits include the highest quality cover assemblies, clutch discs, and release bearings packaged in the distinctive EXEDY silver and blue kit box.

With advanced dampening mechanisms, premium quality friction facings, and high quality cover assemblies, EXEDY clutch kits guarantee correct fit and function every time.

 

 Safari Tuff / Heavy Duty

Safari Tuff

  • Purposely engineered to meet the demands of serious four wheel driving.
     
  • Comprises a purpose engineered cover assembly which boasts a minimum 25% increase in clamp load in comparison to standard.
     
  • High quality clutch disc which has upgraded damper springs and premium grade friction materials.

     

 Safari Tuff / Extra Heavy Duty

Safari Tuff / Extra Heavy Duty

  • Built specifically for vehicles with modified ECU’s and other performance modifications as well as vehicles that are used in the toughest conditions.
     
  • Perfect for towing a heavy van or boat or in any situation where the transmission of increased torque through the drivetrain is required.
     
  • Delivers a minimum 25% increase in clamp load force when compared to the Safari Tuff range.

     

 Devil Clutch Series

Devil Clutch Series

  • Specifically designed to handle high torque loads.
     
  • Smooth engagement and low pedal effort.
     
  •  Dual friction disc. Ceramic one side, organic on reverse
     
  • Not for the faint of hearted

  

If you have any further questions, you can always speak to one of our experts for advice on 02 8711 9711