Clutch Disc Failures

[Ed in Maine]

I have read that the springs in the replacement clutch discs can come out of their proper location and jam the clutch. Evidently some of the repro discs do not have the little support flanges (each side of the spring) to keep the spring in place. Is this a wide spread problem? I rebuilt the drive train a few years ago and hate the thought of pulling out the clutch disc again. The body hasn't been mounted yet! Thanks for a reply, Ed

[Tom Wesenberg]

I wouldn't worry about it. Drive and enjoy the ride. I did see a used disc at a swap meet with one of the 6 springs missing, but I don't know how or when it came out.

[Arlyn Bieber]

I had a spring pop out 25 years ago. The clutch discs I have used the last 15 years are made correctly and no failures that I know of. I wouldn't worry about your disc unless it is an old repop.

[Flathead]

As far as springs popping out, I just got a disc from Bratton's and it has tabs to help retain the springs.

[Mikeinnj]

I had a clutch disc lose several of the springs all at once.
The car rolled to a stop in gear, motor running.
I first thought/hoped it was an axle key.
Flatbed arrived five hours later to teke me and the car home.
That disc had been in the car 30+ years.

[hardtimes]

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Originally Posted by Ed in Maine

I have read that the springs in the replacement clutch discs can come out of their proper location and jam the clutch. Evidently some of the repro discs do not have the little support flanges (each side of the spring) to keep the spring in place. Is this a wide spread problem? I rebuilt the drive train a few years ago and hate the thought of pulling out the clutch disc again. The body hasn't been mounted yet! Thanks for a reply, Ed

Hey Ed,
You are correct that this is a problem to be concerned with, and that's why I will not buy/use any disc now days that doesn't have the spring supports that you mention. However, unless Murphy has it in for you, if you install a new disc, the chances are in your favor that it will be a looong time until spring fatigue allows them to fall out of the old style(no supports)disc.
So, if the deed is done, go on and try to get that Murphy out of your head

[apbright]

This happened to me Nov. '13; link to related post below. Indeed, the failed clutch disk did not have said 'flanges' around the springs. That was the disc that came with the car when I bought it; I was told it underwent full engine-tranny rebuild in 2000.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123104