ACT Clutch kit: Review/experience for MS3

Discussion in 'Mazdaspeed 3 Transmission/Drivetrain' started by The_big_dill, Aug 17, 2020.

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  1. The_big_dill

    The_big_dill Greenie Member

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    Hi all,

    Not sure if this is the correct area to post, but I wanted to share my experience with ACT (Advanced Clutch Technology) for anyone else shopping for a clutch.

    I will start with the TL;DR:
    The only positive note I can share regarding ACT is that they are pleasant to speak to on the phone.
    I gave up on the brand after I replaced my pressure plate with a "pseudo-warranty": Open box parts, had to pay for half. And guess what, its been making noise since the warranty replacement and is in need of service again soon.

    Warranty: Dishonest
    Longevity: low
    Performance: Good, if you like your car sounding like a diesel.

    Background:

    Early in 2019, I purchased an ACT HD (6 puck) kit with the "streetlite" flywheel for my build. By the summer, the build was done. Everything installed smoothly and running great for about 3 months... Then it went south. Note: I am on stock turbo, so not pushing big numbers.

    After what seemed like just the break in period, my clutch pedal started vibrating. When I pressed the clutch, the vibrations were "absorbed"; meaning, it was very likely to do with the pressure plate fingers.

    After pulling the transmission, 1 of the fingers were loose! This translated to a vibrating pedal, as expected. See here:

    Confirming that it was in-fact the pressure plate, ACT were willing to warranty the pressure plate with a few caveats. Problem 1: That model was discontinued and no parts to repair. Problem 2: the "new" revision of the ACT pressure plate that was in stock was NOT compatible with the flywheel I had... This means that they will warranty the PP, but I have to pay for another flywheel and clutch combo if I want to use the new PP. With my car on the hoist and the transmission out, this was my cheapest option.

    Receiving the replacement "Warranty" clutch kit, I find all of the components removed from their original packaging - As if it were an open box item. This is concerning as it was not disclosed, especially since this replacement kit came with no new hardware unlike the original kit!

    Once again, out of options, I crossed my fingers and installed the kit with the old hardware.

    I thought my headaches would be over but once again, there are problems... Pedal vibration came back after a week of driving and the throw out bearing sounds like an un-greased mousewheel (this may be unrelated to the clutch kit).

    Ofcourse there could be an element of installation involved in this failure, however, I have replaced a handful of clutches on Mazdas (proteges and 3s) as well as other cars and its ONLY ACT that has given me repeated problems.

    ACT did not offer to cover the labor costs involved, even though they agreed to cover the PP under warranty. Nor did they reply to me when I reached out about problems with the replacement parts.

    Speaking to owners of other platforms who have used ACT: 100% of them would NOT buy again.

    I hope this gives some perspective to other shoppers. I could just be very unlucky, but paying for parts under warranty is a little unjustified.

    Thanks for reading!
     
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  2. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    You seem to be one of the few or only person that's had an issue with the ACT also seems like a lemon of a failure.
     
    Awafrican, via a mobile device, Aug 17, 2020
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  3. Mauro_Penguin

    Mauro_Penguin Punk in Drublic. #BlackLivesMatter Motorhead Platinum Member

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    No, the issues are out there. Not to say these clutches dont work for most people.

    People just dont bring up the issues because ACT is one of the cheaper options on the market, and well you get what you pay for.
     
    Mauro_Penguin, via a mobile device, Aug 17, 2020
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  4. Awafrican

    Awafrican Moderator Gold Member

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    Ah that makes sense
     
    Awafrican, via a mobile device, Aug 17, 2020
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  5. The_big_dill

    The_big_dill Greenie Member

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    Even if I was the only one, the experience sharing has to start somewhere. :)

    If I stumbled into more threads like this one when shopping for my clutch, I would have reconsidered.

    Also, like I mentioned, I spoke to people in other communities including Mini, Lexus and Honda. Nobody had anything good to say about ACT. Unfortunately I asked after I started experiencing issues with mine.

    For the record, I do understand that parts can fail. What I cannot tolerate is dishonesty, which in this case was parts that were not new/sealed, but were likely an open box return. The warranty replacement should have cost me $0. To compound that problem, I was ignored when I reached out regarding the replacement parts that were causing problems.
     
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  6. L337TurboZ

    L337TurboZ World Class Truck Squatter Greenie Member

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    I've been running an ACT clutch flywheel combo for a year without issue or noise. Did you install the parts or pay a shop to do it?
     
    L337TurboZ, via a mobile device, Aug 18, 2020
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  7. JohnnyTightlips

    JohnnyTightlips Motorhead Silver Member

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    @CMajor had some issues with his ACT 6 puck kit as well. I recently (2019) bought a 6 puck kit and it was fine at first but then about 2 months in the clutch engagement changed to the very top of the pedal. I am not sure if this was due to me using the speed 6 slave and it overthrew the PP but it has not changed since then and still clamps without issues. I have never had vibrations in the clutch pedal. Sorry that you have had to deal with this.
     
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  8. The_big_dill

    The_big_dill Greenie Member

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    I did it myself, and like I mentioned, there is always opportunity for user error. But this isn't my first rodeo.

    That being said, check out these review on this set up:
    https://www.streetunit.com/ACT_Clutch_p/zx5-hdss.htm
     
  9. JohnnyTightlips

    JohnnyTightlips Motorhead Silver Member

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    Those are pretty old reviews and I know the compound has been changed and people have had a lot more success with them in the last couple years. Mine is very noisy though but I blame that on my tmm.
     
    JohnnyTightlips, via a mobile device, Aug 21, 2020
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  10. Raider

    Raider Administraider Administrator Platinum Member

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    I remember Lenny27/Rodrigo on msf having act issues many moons ago. I got good miles on my soutbend before the throwout bearing esploded. Luk all the things now.
     
    Raider, via a mobile device, Aug 21, 2020
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  11. L337TurboZ

    L337TurboZ World Class Truck Squatter Greenie Member

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    What sucks about clutches is that their performance and longevity is based on how the driver treats them. I'm not saying you caused that failure by any means but if the pressure plate failed within a short time frame then ACT should have helped you out more.

    The parts should have come wrapped up in a new kit. Did you send them all the components like bolts, bearings, disc, plate etc? Whenever I have to do a warranty claim for GM I have to send back everything related to the job. If I miss a gasket or a bolt they can deny the dealership payment for the repair.

    If ACT had a revision to the part which made it incompatible with your current parts then they should have good willed everything so long as everything was sent back.

    Maybe if you keep going higher up the chain they will take care of you. Usually companies will cave and give people stuff just to keep them happy.
     
    L337TurboZ, via a mobile device, Aug 21, 2020
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  12. The_big_dill

    The_big_dill Greenie Member

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    Thanks for sympathizing with my concern, im glad you are trouble free with this brand.

    Interestingly enough, act did not want the old parts back.

    There is only so much thats worth your time though. Even if i got another kit, i wouldn't feel comfortable installing knowing these problems have not been rectified. i wont be a returning customer and nor would i recommend to anyone else. Is that worth the savings? Thats up to the company to decide.
     
    The_big_dill, via a mobile device, Aug 21, 2020
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