Clutch Materials Infographic

Buying a replacement clutch can be complicated. With many different clutch materials to choose from, it’s easy to get confused. Clutch manufacturer Phoenix Friction has created an infographic that explains:

Why clutch material selection is important
The pros and cons of organic, Kevlar®, ceramic, carbotic, feramic, and feramalloy clutch materials
Clutch material recommendations by vehicle use and type
Technical details for each clutch material, complete with friction specs and fade temperatures

“The cost, durability, and performance of a clutch disc are largely determined by the friction material,” explains Lou Rivieccio, President of Phoenix Friction Products. “This is why consumers need to know the pros and cons of Kevlar®, ceramic, organic, etc. Consumers need to understand what they’re buying to get a good deal,” says Rivieccio.

Today’s clutch kit marketplace offers a lot of variety. There are dozens of clutch companies, many with their own unique clutch material names and disc designs. While variety is good, Rivieccio warns that some consumers are being taken advantage of.

“A lot of clutch manufacturers trick their customers. They will take a cheap organic clutch disc, paint it a bright color, and then call it a ‘performance clutch.’ Since most consumers don’t know what to look for, they’re being cheated,” says Rivieccio.

Rivieccio is co-founder of Phoenix Friction Products, a clutch and brake pad manufacturer. For almost 30 years, Phoenix has manufactured hundreds of thousands of different clutches. During this time, clutch friction material technology has changed. All the changes in clutch friction materials have made it harder for consumers.

“When we first got started, most clutch discs were made from asbestos. It was easier to choose a clutch back then,” explains Rivieccio. “Today, there are six standard clutch friction materials available. Each material has strengths and weaknesses. Our graphic helps consumers to know what they are,” says Rivieccio.