Explanation on Clutch Mechanism Please?

Hi there. I am still in the process of stripping my '74 Commando. I have come across a curious item when stripping my clutch.

Where the fingers of the pressure plate extend into the clutch centre I notice these square holes are staggered. I would have thought they would have been all in line with each other around the circumference of the clutch centre. See picture below. It can be seen where the fingers enter the clutch centre the holes are not in line but are staggered alternately.



Does anyone have an explanation for this please?

Thanks
Don

Probably to keep the basket from cracking along a line described by the holes. Staggering adds some strength (or holes in a straight line create a weakness).

thunderbolt said:

Hi there. I am still in the process of stripping my '74 Commando. I have come across a curious item when stripping my clutch.

Where the fingers of the pressure plate extend into the clutch centre I notice these square holes are staggered. I would have thought they would have been all in line with each other around the circumference of the clutch centre. See picture below. It can be seen where the fingers enter the clutch centre the holes are not in line but are staggered alternately.

Does anyone have an explanation for this please?

Thanks
Don

Click to expand...

The "over center" design, allows light lever pressure once fully disengaged.

thunderbolt said:

Hi there. I am still in the process of stripping my '74 Commando. I have come across a curious item when stripping my clutch.

Where the fingers of the pressure plate extend into the clutch centre I notice these square holes are staggered. I would have thought they would have been all in line with each other around the circumference of the clutch centre. See picture below. It can be seen where the fingers enter the clutch centre the holes are not in line but are staggered alternately.

Does anyone have an explanation for this please?

Thanks
Don

Click to expand...

The staggering creates a little broader point of engagement -not quite as much "on/off" effect when releasing the clutch.
I have made centers that didn't have this feature and it makes quite a bit of difference. Jim

Hi Guys,

Thanks for both of the replies they both make a lot of sense. All good in educating me on the ways of Nortons.

Thanks Again.

Cheers
Don