Clutch center lash

rgrigutis · Oct 3, 2014

Experienced some gnashing noises from the primary after installing some new Barnett friction plates. Happens on accelerate/decel and some shifting between gears as I release clutch. It's a grabbing clashing sound. Pulled the plates out and all looked dry and well. In neutral the clutch center rotates easily. In first gear it has about 5 degrees of free radial rotation before it engages is this normal? Any ideas what could be causing the clashing noise on accel/decel and random gear shifts? Thanks in advance, rick

Torontonian · Oct 3, 2014

That small free rotation is normal. Mine audibly squeek when not working ( idling in N.). Try fitting the "old" plates back in. They have changed design of plate packs over years but correct me if wrong. Belt or chain ?

Hobot · Oct 3, 2014

New Barnette plates according to Barnette staff say best to wet with ATF and wipe excess off so no chattering or surface scuffed up final texture on initial bedding in interval. Can't forget about loose enough primary, though likely non of the above applies in this case.

edward · Oct 3, 2014

My Barnett plates squeal and rattle in neutral and when declutching, I tried the ATF and ended up with no squeal but a slipping clutch on heavy acceleration so thoroughly degreased them and put them back and put up with the squeal, annoying but not doing any harm a bit like those early commandos with the whistling mufflers.

Hobot · Oct 3, 2014

Ugh, then no accounting why my plates are always silent but others ain't. Let's call Barnett and quiz them.

concours · Oct 4, 2014

rgrigutis said:
Experienced some gnashing noises from the primary after installing some new Barnett friction plates. Happens on accelerate/decel and some shifting between gears as I release clutch. It's a grabbing clashing sound. Pulled the plates out and all looked dry and well. In neutral the clutch center rotates easily. In first gear it has about 5 degrees of free radial rotation before it engages is this normal? Any ideas what could be causing the clashing noise on accel/decel and random gear shifts? Thanks in advance, rick

Belt drive? Original chain drive set up?

rgrigutis · Oct 4, 2014

It's the original chain drive. What I'm hearing is not squealing but a clashing sound. I'm away now but I'll put the originals in next week and see. The clashing seems to get worse after riding an hour or so. Got some new surflex on order. I hope it's as simple as that. Thanks for the replies

Torontonian · Oct 4, 2014

Maybe the chain is slopping against the inner primary 'cause it's so loose and gets looser as things warm up.

rgrigutis · Oct 4, 2014

Well chain is set to 3/8". No aluminum chips in primary and no gouging of inner primary evident

Torontonian · Oct 4, 2014

Gnashing /clashing noise, describe better. Remove primary cover and go for a ride with Go-Pro camera with audio pointed towards primary strapped into place . Roll up pants on left side, Ha.

concours · Oct 4, 2014

rgrigutis said:
It's the original chain drive. What I'm hearing is not squealing but a clashing sound. I'm away now but I'll put the originals in next week and see. The clashing seems to get worse after riding an hour or so. Got some new surflex on order. I hope it's as simple as that. Thanks for the replies

Any chance something was assembled incorrectly ? (NO offense intended :mrgreen: ) Re-traced your steps? :?:

rgrigutis · Oct 5, 2014

It sounds as if the plates are slipping for a split second on decel/accel and as they reengage they they clash. Sounds like "cccchhh". Maybe mine cccchhh while others squeal. Don't know why it gets worse after riding a while tho. Can't wait to get the old ones back in and see if that cures it