clutch graunch

[Chuey]

The 1983 R100CS replica that I put together out of many and varied parts runs great. Thing is, the clutch has a graunch to it. That is, when I pull in the lever, it has a roughness to it and it does not release smoothly. It does not make any noise when the clutch is being held in at an intersection.

The cable is new, as in, today. The problem is not in the cable. I thought it must be there as that's how it felt. That is, as if the slug was binding in the lever. If I leave the cable out of the equation, and use a stick to move the clutch release lever on the back of the transmission, it creaks when I lever it forward (depress the clutch). That is with the engine off.

I put new throw out bearing and shaft into the bike when I put it together. The clutch disc was replaced but the rest of the clutch was a good used one and other than the creak/graunch, it works well. The un-smooth release of, and engagement of the clutch makes the bike marginally safe to ride.

Chuey

Edit: Well, I didn't write a question, but I'd like help diagnosing this problem if anybody can say what it probably is.

[Deleted User 287]

How many miles on the new clutch assembly? It could be they just need to work things out.

[ME 109]

Perhaps the problem is the connection between the diaphragm (spring) to the pressure plate?
It's a metal to metal contact and perhaps lack of use is the cause....

[Kurt in S.A.]

Weren't their some models/years where the piston could swell somewhat in the tranny, thus making shifting a problem?

Can someone define "graunch"?

Kurt in S.A.

[ME 109]

Can someone define "graunch"?

Kurt in S.A.

I'm thinking it's a rapid alternation between smooth travel and resistance........
But who knows with Chuey.

[Chuey]

As I recall, there was a "new style" piece or two. I think one of the pieces has some plastic on it. I think it is the release bearing. Graunch means the opposite of smooth in this case. It doesn't release in a linear fashion. At first it did. But I could feel the friction (a light graunch). And as I rode it yesterday, it got so the clutch wouldn't release until the lever was almost all the way out and then it would pop into engagement.

Chuey

[Steve in Golden]

Can someone define "graunch"?

I wondered about that too.

1. Graunch

To damage something by using excessive force, often with the use of an incongruous implement

"I can't seem to close this lid, it looks like someone's tried to graunch the fucker open"

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=graunch

[Duane Ausherman]

As I recall, there was a "new style" piece or two. I think one of the pieces has some plastic on it. I think it is the release bearing. Graunch means the opposite of smooth in this case. It doesn't release in a linear fashion. At first it did. But I could feel the friction (a light graunch). And as I rode it yesterday, it got so the clutch wouldn't release until the lever was almost all the way out and then it would pop into engagement.

Chuey

I suggest that you pull the box out and inspect the clutch before riding it any farther than you are willing to get picked up and hauled back home.

I won't hazard a guess, as I don't think that I know the later clutch.

[Chuey]

I am starting to wonder if it is the splines. I did use some grease on them and it has very few miles on it since then. However, when I got the transmission, there was light rust on the splines. I cleaned the rust off and greased them. The disc seemed to slide smoothly on the splines. I've got a pretty good parts stash. I maybe should see if there's a spare late transmission in there.

Chuey

[Duane Ausherman]

Pulling the clutch lever is unrelated to the splines. You are grabbing at straws on this one. Did you check the input shaft end play before installing the box?

Always do that, as it is easy and may save a swap later on.