I've had my clutchmasters stage 4 for about a year and half (16,000) miles on my turbo Si. I've loved the clutch alot, but a few thousand miles ago a winding/grinding noise started comming from it as I lift up off the pedal during engagement when starting off from a stop. It only makes the noise when starting off, not when shifting from 1-2, 2-3, and so on. Just from starting off in first. Thats only because i'm not doing too much clutch work to shift in those gears. I read somewhere that the pad material can wear faster than the rivets (or whatever holds the pads to the disc) and cause metal on metal grinding of the flywheel. Do you think this is true? I kinda believe it cause my engagement point is at the very very top of the pedal. I only have to push the pedal down maybe a 1/2" and the clutch is disengaged (where i can shift freely). Do I need a new disc? And if this is the case, I'd rather switch to the stage 3 for longevity. I drive teh car in traffic alot (San Francisco) so it may be better to have more material. Anyone know if the stage 3 pedal feel is like the stage 4? I love the stage 4 pedal feel! Thanks for any help guys!
---Evan

 

nobody?

 

It sounds like its worn out. However I would try bleeding the clutch system first incase the clutch fork is not traveling the full range.

A replacement clutch disc is only ~75 bucks, so you dont need to buy an entire new clutch, especially if you love the stage 4. If you like, you could buy the stage 3 disc which should last longer.

I have the CM Stage 4 on my car and Ive also driven the Stage 3. There is not much difference in pedal stiffness between them however the stage 3 does not engage as harsh and in my opinion is a perfect streetable clutch. But your already used to and love your stage 4 so stick with it.