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Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:22 pm

Hey Volks - random question about the clutch.

So as I'm driving home for the 4th, my '71 super's rear main seal goes out. Luckily I got home (after stopping every 40 miles to check the oil level) without incident. I pulled the motor today to replace the seal although I didn't think to get a new clutch while I was at the parts store.

So my question is - what are the differences between the Rigid and the Sprung clutches? According to Bughaus http://www.bughaus.com/beetle36.htm they are both for the same year/diameter. Does one give better performance than the other? I currently have a Rigid plate but would I be better with a sprung?

Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:25 pm

Spring discs soften the engagement. Handy if you aren't very good at driving stick.

Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:26 pm

The springs "cushion" the engagement, but if you know how to shift, you'll have no problem.

I've run a rigid for years and never missed the springs.

Sat Jul 05, 2008 2:35 pm

alright - good to know. I may go with the springs as I don't have a problem shifting but my girlfriend does. She learned to drive manual on a '85 Jetta that was a lot more forgiving than the Super is. Sometimes she just drops the clutch without thinking and expects the engine to provide the power (like the Jetta did)

is there a difference on what pressure plate is required? I currently have this type of pressure plate (someone else's picture) that looks pretty much new

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=256423

am I going to have to switch to a multi-finned pressure plate in order to run the sprung disc?

Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:20 pm

i owned a 71 superbeetle... it didn't have a "rear main" seal... :? :wink:

Sun Jul 06, 2008 9:37 am

Herrschildkrote wrote: is there a difference on what pressure plate is required? I currently have this type of pressure plate (someone else's picture) that looks pretty much new

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=256423

am I going to have to switch to a multi-finned pressure plate in order to run the sprung disc?

I use that same type of 9-spring pressure plate with my 1835 DP. That photo shows the center ring removed for use with '71 and later throwout bearings. It doesn't make that much difference with that whether the clutch disc has springs or not - mine does have springs, five I believe...

Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:52 pm

The spring center clutch disc gives you smoother engagement, and is less likely to chatter. This is why all new cars with a manual gearbox also have a disc with springs.

The only bad thing I can think of is that a spring center disc is heavier, so the synchros have to work harder than if you had the lighter solid disc.