Clutch spring removal - Ducati.ms

jlcihak · Apr 13th, 2007, 6:27 pm

Ok so I wanna remove two of my clutch springs, and after work today i removed the cover, (my first time looking at my clutch awwww) and there is rust build up on the springs. Is this common? and since im removing two springs i figured they where opposite of each other, but are they numbered? do I need to remove a ceratin two or just any two will do the trick.

There was also alot of dust in the cover? Im assuming this is normal for someone who had alot of traffic and has to ride the clutch persay. I was wondering what are the drawbacks to running with no cover. anyone done this. Ups and downs please. Thanks for your imput.
Jason

desmofetish · Apr 13th, 2007, 6:43 pm

The springs are not numbered and therefore any two will do AS LONG AS THEY ARE OPPOSITE ONE ANOTHER!

Yes, you can run without a clutch cover... though you should consider that doing so can be at the cost of the clutch should you "go down" on the clutch side without one. That being said, I am certain that some of the aftermarket clutches are subpar when it comes to protecting the clutch as well. Then again, that didn't stop me from obtaining one...

DesmoBob · Apr 13th, 2007, 7:01 pm

Yeah rust is common since it's not stainless. If you're going with a vented clutch cover, I highly recommend stainless springs. I bought a set from Motowheels, which I've been happy with. The dust is also common because... it's got nowhere to go. Be glad it's a dry clutch, otherwise all that black stuff would be floating in your oil! :-O

Re: running with no cover
Do you mean vented cover? As opposed to no cover?

Pros: runs cooler, less dust buildup, sound (subjective)
Cons: steel plates can rust, sound (subjective). Crash protection may be less. Rain has never been an issue for me other than the rusting steel plates. I've since switched to aluminum. Some say shoelaces & jeans can get caught, but I've never had that problem (vented cover).

Re: minus 2 springs
On the OE clutch, I don't know if they're numbered, but I don't see why they would be. Just test it out and see. On my MW clutch, I randomly removed 2 opposing springs and it runs fine, no slipping.

jlcihak · Apr 13th, 2007, 9:32 pm

good to know, i think im just going to remove two springs and put the cover back on. I dont care one way or the other for the sound but it doesn't look that great without the bling so I will wait. need a steering damper and sprocket upgrade first.

Yellow749s · Apr 13th, 2007, 11:59 pm

Whats the point of removing two springs?

lubricity · Apr 14th, 2007, 4:58 am

I was going to ask the same question. I'm always adding stronger springs.

jlcihak · Apr 14th, 2007, 8:01 am

Reduce clutch pull.

Yellow749s · Apr 14th, 2007, 9:17 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlcihak

Reduce clutch pull.

I see. Thanks for making that clear for me!

jlcihak · Apr 14th, 2007, 9:26 am

Notice the clutch, 2 springs missing. Its the poor mans way to lighter clutch pull hahahahaha

Rush749 · Apr 14th, 2007, 9:46 am

If you remove 2 springs in an effort for a lighter pull, my question is will this compromise the strength of the clutch to grip the plates? There will be less clutch pressure plate grip, right?

By the way, I was thinking about picking up an aftermarket pressure plate, maybe in red or gold or something cool. Anything important I need to know after removing all of the springs to swap out the pressure plate? Tourqe value on the springs? or just tighten to snug? Ofcourse tighten in a cross pattern, right?

I have never removed the clutch springs before, but I guess its a good idea once in awhile, if for nothing else to clean the rust from the springs.