Dave Porter, Customer and Tech Support at The Bonneville Shop
Steps to Install New Clutch Rubbers
Using a Clutch Locking Tool
Clutch locking tool that has been modified with a tire lever welded on to gain leverage for torquing down the mainshaft nuts.
Here it is shown being used to hold the clutch chain wheel stationary while I torque down the clutch center nut. Note how the lever is stopped against the table, making this procedure easier.
The Disassembled Clutch Center
Note the normal wear to the inner plate, polished “witness marks” where the vane rubs against the plate.
Old Clutch Hub
An old clutch hub I ground flats onto, enabling me to tighten it up into the bench vise and hold the center securely while I install the rubbers. Next up is the replacement of the shock absorbing clutch center rubbers.
Install New Clutch Rubbers: Large
Install the large clutch hub rubbers and add grease. I smear a little oil onto the rubbers to ease the installation.
Install New Clutch Rubbers: Small
The big ones drop in easily, but the problems start when trying to rotate the vane against the dense rubbers to fit the small rubbers.
With the clutch center engaged with the hub, I call on my locking clutch tool with the long lever to rotate the whole center and this procedure makes a difficult task child’s play.
Finishing Steps
The fitted new clutch rubbers are in place. Before fitting the top plate, I wipe off any residual oil on the clutch rubbers. The top plate will be installed using new screws with a drop of blue Loctite on each one.
Why didn’t I replace the worn bottom plate?
This is a budget project, and the wear is not dramatic enough to warrant a $50 inner plate.
Check out our other blog: TECH TIP: How to Install New Clutch Rubbers