How is this possible. Fitted new clutch kit 6 month ago, had no problems the first month. Suddenly the pedal became harder and harder. Decided to pull the engine out only to discover that the thrust bearing had cut the tip of all the fingers subsequently cutting and groove in the bearing. Compared the failed parts to new gives no clues except that the bearing appears to just touch the tip of the finger. Since old original clutches are no longer available, I wonder if the graphite (reproduction) would spread the contact futher or will it wear out too quickly running on the many fingers? Could this be a bad design or just a one off faulty kit?
Not keen to fit another kit of the same running the risk same thing happening again. Think the wider graphite bearing may be the solution.
Any ideas?

Viking,
that's an old timer, with a 10 spline input shaft and I guess it's a Cassis clutch.
Has the bearing seized up? It must have been making a heck of a noise as it ground away those spring fingers.

I bought one of those 'upgrade' clutch kits from a French trader at the WM in Scotland back in 2005.
They fit onto coil spring type flywheels, but have a diaphragm spring release mechanism, however I've never fitted it as I'd heard reports that the release bearing supplied wasn't the correct type and could fail very quickly.

A graphite bearing wouldn't last 10 minutes on diaphragm fingers, as it needs a smooth metal surface to work against.

Ken

( Having struggled with some other Cassis products this week, such as a Mehari bonnet which was extremely flimsy and had spikes of glassfibre sticking out of its edges, plus a bracket for mounting the spare wheel which had studs at least 10 to 15mm too short, I'm not too impressed... )

The clutch is stamped by MCDA, who supply everybody else. No, no noise at all just a hard pedal. We sold a few of these clutches since our start up in France. I've fitted a handful but this one is the first failing. Fearing more trouble ahead. I have about 10 old type pressure plates meant for the graphite bearing. I may have to clean one up, change to graphite bearing to get out of trouble. It is a real pain to daily work with shit parts, now that original parts are no longer available. Can only agree with you on substandard parts being made and sold all over the place, BAD form.

Should be able to find one in this lot.
Cheers

I had one of those new type clutches instead of the old finger ones and it was a pain in the a--se as always gave me clutch shudder. I have now gone back to the old style which are still available and apart from the small nut coming loose (now fixed with loctite) no shudder. Do not want to step on toes but seams there was no gap between clutch and bearing when released and was constantly spinning.

http://www.ami-2cv.com/mecanisme-d-embr ... -1981.html

Here is clutch - I think you can get it from other outlets. PLEASE loctite the small nuts on the fingers before fitting

never have heard a good thing about the diapragm replacements for the 3 finger always problems with the release bearing.

Picked one of the 3 finger types of tinternet for £50. UK reconditioned too.

This interesting.
Can you buy reconditioned pressure plates in the UK. If yes I'm keen to learn where and will ship some of these old plates off.
The clutch I'm doing is 10 spline input shaft with good old fashion thrust graphite bearing, no longer available. If I can get the pressure plates reconditioned, I'll make up proper clutch kit to install and sell aswell.
Cheers
Viking

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-2CV-4 ... _500wt_949

Worth a look folks..

Check AMI2CV they have everything for 10 spline clutch.

sean, would this be the clutch im interested in for my heavy flywheel you mention?

if so i would use a 3 finger type if they have been problamatic...

The question is not who the supplier is but what do you get when ordering?
We too have all the 10 spline parts as most parts are coming from the same wholesaler. I'm looking for quality bits not cheap made in Asia with limited life. Had enough of shit parts, want quality but harder and harder to find