Hey guys

Just wanted to open a discussion about the ACT clutch buzz (or clutch buzz in general)
Yes I've searched, and found very scattered information about this issue so I figured I'd make a thread where people can discuss the situation.

Having recently purchased an ACT clutch (HDSS) and Prolite flywheel upon a few reviews on this forum, but I have to say once installed it buzzes like a SOB.

Fact: We all know Clutch Buzz is a common issue with these cars..
Fact: The updated factory clutch eliminates most of the buzz..

What does clutch buzz sound like?
Clutch buzz is best described as shaking marbles in a cup upon deceleration. It usually occurs most pronounced at a specific rpm range 3000-4500 rpm in most cases. It has no ill effects, except making your car sound like you forgot to tighten down something major. The noise will immediately disappear once you resume to accelerate.
(I'll add a sound clip once I get home to record one in a few weeks)

Why Am I disappointed?
Most of the reviews I've read indicated how quiet the HDSS was, this was of course referring to the disks using the OEM style hub. They have since switched out to another manufracturer as my '05 disk looked completely different, the ACT also had much bigger springs, with secondary springs inside.

ACT states that the SS disk as:

"Performance Disc
Recommended for Street and Race, Quicker engagement, Quiet operation, Best organic friction material, improved hub and burst strength"

What I'm experiencing is far from "Quiet Operation"

I do feel extremely cheated with this clutch, considering it is an aftermarket stock replacement (all things considered) I have no idea why they would produce something that would buzz this much. With that said, My stock clutch had absolutely no buzz.

I keep hoping this will get better as the springs 'wear' but it actually seems to get worse!

I'm hoping you guys could comfort me such that I don't feel the need to bring this to ACTs attention, however if enough are complaining, maybe we can promote change, considering what happened with the HD pressure plate issue.

Thanks all!


(Please don't comment saying this is like every other clutch buzz thread, I'd like to consolidate all the information in this thread for buyers of aftermarket clutches..)

With all that said, I wish I went with the SOS sport. ..sigh..

 

Ive known for years that the ACT disc is not up to par when it comes to clutch buzz, it's different than oem.

Is the disc on the right the one you are using?

 

Yep Billman, Its the one on the right.
I'll admit it looks 100x more 'beefy' than the OEM, but buzzes like crazy.
Any experiences with this?

 

Hahaha, you know, I had my VTSC and my ACT clutch, PP, and Flywheel installed the same two days. So I though the noise was the supercharger bearing blowing out. But it never did. So I just figured it was the Supercharger working against the engine. So its the clutch huh? Well, yes, it is retarded loud on deceleration, but I have grown so used to it that I think i would freak out if it didnt make that sound anymore.

 

Billman, the one on the left is the original OEM part that buzzed?

 

When I bought my ACT in 02, it came with a OEM disc in a Vortech box, and it's been quiet for 8 years and 30K ish miles

 

You need to drive more.

From everything I've read and heard this is all hit or miss. The same kit on one car is quiet, on the next it buzzes like Hell. Mine buzzes like Hell.

It's just a noise and can be used to your advantage to distract people allowing you to pass them when they're looking around to see where the noise is coming from.

 

NO! the one on the left is a new oem disc, no buzz.

The ACT buzzed....never again.

40+ clutches later, OEM disc has a perfect track record for no-buzz.

 

OEM disc's don't buzz.

You haven't been able to buy the original 00-01 noisy disc since 01. That part # has been discontinued.

 

That's good to know. Alas I'm stuck with this CC stage 2 for the foreseeable future - unless it breaks.