When
the L.S.D. comes out of the factory, it has been thoroughly washed,
but some iron dust and dirt particles may still exist in between
the clutch plates. The clutch plates do not fit perfectly from the
very beginning; therefore this causes some jumping effect.
Applying too much torque when the unit is new will
cause damage to the clutch plates and may result in plates forming
an angle fit. Once these plates forms an angle fit, the L.S.D. is
unable to function at 100% efficiency. Damaging the clutch plates
will decrease it’s lifetime.
When the break in is done properly and the clutch
plates form a perfect fit, not only the L.S.D. can be functioning
at 100% efficiency but the lifetime of the unit will be longer than
expected.
Just like fitting a new brake pads, if you floor
the brake pedal right away the brake pad’s ability to stop
the car will decrease. Therefore, you have to let the brake pads
and the brake disc rub and form a good fit before hard use. L.S.D.
is the same way, initial form fitting is very important.
Information about the break in is found in the
instruction booklet that comes with each unit. Every manufacturer
of L.S.D. has their own way of break in procedures. Please follow
the instructions that come with each unit.
After the initial break in procedure, L.S.D. oil
must be changed. Check the oil drained after the break in, you will
find lots of iron grains from the friction of the plates rubbing
to form a good fit. You can then visually see the importance of
the break in and oil change.
|