So went with this company because of a few suggestions from forums and a performance shop. Clutch failed in less than 200 miles. Was driving at around 35mph in 3rd gear, heard a pop, and then a clicking type sound. By the time i was getting home I could barely get it into first gear from a stop and it sounded like metal was bouncing around in a tin can. I provided pictures from the removal of the clutch. Sent it back for a warranty check to which they denied my warranty and said the issue was due to a missed shift or extreme downshift. Ive been driving manual cars for my entire driving career(over 15yrs), replaced multiple clutches, tracking events for years, and this is the first time Ive ever had this experience with a company. I talked with their warranty guy named DAVE who laughed at me(I guess my 1200 dollar loss is funny to him). I was driving the car like a baby while in my break in period so I know I did not mistreat clutch. When i took it back off there was a rivet missing from the pressure plate(explain to me how a miss shift or extreme downshift causes a rivet to fail?) Again, Ive included pictures for you to judge. Then called the manager after Dave HUNG UP ON ME; who is now piecing together a clutch from spare parts they have around. So I basically paid ECS Tuning for a new clutch and now am receiving a bum clutch rebuild in the hardest to reach spot of my car that I have now taken apart twice already and cant do anything about it except leave a review or file a lawsuit. I can understand a clutch failure being a one off and wouldnt of held it against them, but to be laughed at on the phone and be told it was my fault without ever having contact me to get my side of the story during the warranty process is above and beyond bad service. Before opening a store I was an insurance claims adjuster and these guys do not understand a claims process. Before that I did industrial Xray so I have a bit of experience with understanding metal failure at least even if not this direct application. If you choose these guys I wish you luck. Ive heard good things before this and sorry to say Ill be staying far away from them on my other cars unless they provide me with a NEW clutch. Judge in the pictures for yourself how a miss shift or extreme downshift causes a rivet to fail and the damage you see. In my experience that causes a blown engine with even stock clutches as I have money-shifted my E36 M3 before or wouldve caused slipping as it was a BRAND NEW CLUTCH to which there would have been hot spots as I have seen on previously replaced clutches at the end of their cycles. Where are the hot spots from the slipping on my discs? Maybe their expert inspector and in house comedian Dave can point it out for us. Im holding one of the rivets in my hand along with metal pieces from the damaged clutch and transfer case. 1 star because their manager is atleast trying to remedy the situation even though it should be a new replacement and 0 stars, but overall this was a complete disappointment and failure for my car project in one of the most vital areas that has ruined my excitement about the build entirely and wasted hard earned money that I chose to spend with them. Now Im just anxious to even drive a car I used to have fun driving as Ill be wondering when the clutch is going to blow up again. Ill probably be replacing for peace of mind once I can save up enough for a new one.
Poor customer service, dont stand behind their product or craftsmanship.I had a customer that needed a dual stage clutch rebuilt for a tractor, I took the clutch out of the tractor for my customer, they took it in to get rebuilt. When it was done the customer picked up the clutch and paid for it. I installed the clutch set the free play in the clutch pedal as specified in the manual, and the pto clutch would not release. I rechecked my pedal adjustment and it was correct. Both stages of the clutch would release prior to removing the clutch from the tractor and it getting rebuilt, but there was no adjustment left and the clutch was jumpy.Before I did anything I called talked to Jon and told him what the problem was. First thing he said was I didnt set the pto release. I told him it uses the clutch pedal for both stages for the clutch and the clutch was set correctly, and that I already rechecked it. I also, knowing how the clutch works told him that i believe the finger height or the second stage lifting bolt clearance was not set correctly. (That is supposed to be done by them when THEY REBUILD THE CLUTCH.)Jon said they check those settings twice before they say its done and theres no way thats what the problem is. he said if I brought it in and they found they made a mistake they would make it right. He also gave me the specifications for settings I believed were set wrong. I split the tractor and measured the release fingers where not set even close to even height, and the clearance on the lifting blots for the second stage were not even and were over twice the specification he said they where supposed to be.I never touched any of the adjustments on the clutch and had the customer take it back as it was. The customer brought it back, I looked at the adjustments, it was clear as day that they had changed them. I put the clutch back in and everything worked as it was supposed to.I called Jon back and told him it works as it should now that they set the clutch properly and asked him for labor reimbursement for having to remove the clutch for not being set properly. Jon said theres no way it left there without being right the first time, and that I had tampered with the adjustments, and that they where kind enough to fix what I messed up free of charge.I stated again that I never touched any of the adjustments on their rebuilt clutch because they are supposed to be set when they rebuild it. That the clutch didnt work properly after the first time they had it, but it does after the second, and that they reset it and now it works. He responded with there is no way to prove without a doubt that it was their mistake and that that makes it not a warrantable claim.
Had an awesome experience with Landon. I had previously ordered a south bend clutch through summit and summit messed up the order. Sent the clutch back to summit and went straight to South bend and told Landon what I was doing he got me the correct kit to my shop in a couple days. Unfortunately the bolts were too long for my conversation. Landon shiped out the correct size next day no charge. Supper pleased unfortunately had to pay shipping but worth every penny.
In and out within 15 minutes with a rebuilt clutch great service
The 4 is a mistake. I have had two clutches from South Bend. They were both the ceramic and fiber style. Both of these clutches failed and the fiber portion disintegrated and locked up the clutch. The first one they glued the fiber on and the second was riveted. I would not recommend buying there products. I called to tell them of the problem and they just shined me on. Didnt take me seriously. I dont want anything from them as I wont deal with them again. You should know that they said they had never had that problem before. I read the reviews and there are lots of us complaining about product and customer service. Dont buy their products!!!!
Ive used dozens of South Bend clutches in my shop and on my own cars and they are always perform 100%
Hate to be that guy. But I ordered a South Bend Clutch stage 2 endurance clutch. Came as a kit with a new slave cylinder. 1000 miles after my clutch install the slave cylinder they supplied is now leaking. I emailed them and they informed me that because I didnt fill out the warranty card(never specified that I had to do that when ordering) I have no warranty on my clutch or components. I have never had an auto part needing a warranty card filled out and returned. I spent $800 on the clutch kit for my car and now I have to pull my trans again and pay out of pocket for a new slave cylinder. Very poor customer service and definitely sketchy warranty policy.10/10 will not recommend them to anyone ever again.
Horrible service, have to talk to multiple people every time you call. Somehow took my exact car model year and specific engine and still sent me the wrong part, never received a conformation email, took me 3 days to get ahold of someone who actually tried to help me and figure out what was going on . Ended up having to pay the shop i had my car at to get a different one while the car was there seriously don’t waste your time, horrible service and have no clue what they are talking about or even sending you highly recommend using anyone else
I had a dual disc high performance clutch rebuilt. Was not done properly and failed quickly. I believe they do an good job on standard clutches but not high performance
South bend clutches are great! Used them a few times and always had a great experience. Recently they helped on an issue with a customers truck, and resolved an problem that another shop had caused. They have great customer service!
Really friendly people and very helpful
Used this clutch for 5 months now. Works fantastic, Ive used other name brands before and not 1 of those gets close to southbend. You will get what you pay for is what I kept reading and its really worth it. I have a 2005 wrx stage two and works great. The pedal feels great for a daily driven car and when you step on it, it will grab firm. Will be using them from now one.
I am doing a same make engine swap on an older BMW. I ordered a clutch based on some forum info, that turned out to be incorrect. I needed a pressure plate from one model and a disk from another. I sent the disk that wouldnt work for me back to South Bend and they sent me the one I needed at no charge. Knowledgeable and helpful people that go the extra mile to help their customers. Thank you!
This company should receive no stars. Placed an order earlier in the week that was to arrive yesterday. Order never came because of personnel issue in their order department. Tried to get it ordered again and the accounting folks ran my credit card 6 times maxing it out so that I cant even get online and order one somewhere else. All the time they wouldnt ship the clutch because they couldnt verify credit card payment....This was my first ever contact with South Bend Clutches and they must have saved up all their screw-ups for me. Wow, what a cluster cuss.
Absolutely amazing company. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. They resurface all of our flywheels for us and always turn out great.
Outstanding clutches and super skilled people behind the scene! Will recommend South bend clutch for ever!!!
If you like to receive clutches that dont work, this is the place for you!they refused refund on anything they claim works, even though it never did but, the auto parts store clutch worked the fist time.Dont waste your money or time with this place.
Sloppy costumer service, ordered a new clutch kit from these guys and after getting it installed the throw out bearing they supplies failed within 2 weeks of installation not to mentioned it was still under the break in period not even 300 miles on the clutch, their answer to my problem was we out source those parts so its not our problem after sending the car back to the shop after getting it back we installed a new factory throw out bearing with no further issues. Im still wondering what kind of China brand throw out bearing they gave me.I would never recommend anyone to buy or use any of their products if all the warranty you get is we out source our parts so its not our problem.
Best automotive and ag clutches in the world. Settle for nothing less than SBC
Awesome company and awesome service. Andy and John are always willing to help you out. Ive had a few clutches rebuilt/replaced by them because of their great drivability and ability to hold power at the same time. I wouldnt choose any other brand of clutch for any of my vehicles. If youre in search of a clutch, check them out!
Southbend clutch has been a terrible company to work with they have extremely poor customer service. They would rather have you lose money than them on an error they made regarding shipping.
I have been using Southbend at my shop for years. Excellent quality and Excellent after sale service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Hands down, the best customer service I have ever experienced. They stand behind their products 100%. Ryan did everything in his power to get my hot shot rig back on the road even though none of his parts were at fault! Thanks!
Don’t waste your time with these guys. I contacted South Bend about some possible mechanical issues I was having with a recently purchased clutch. I emailed them, left a voicemail, and called multiple times. Called, was put on hold, then sent to voicemail. No response. Save yourself the hassle and go the Valair route.
Great folks and better quality clutches! If you have an issue with there products, youre probably doing something wrong. Thats just my opinion, take it as it is.
Great friendly customer service and advice. I have bought 4 diesel clutches from them (different trucks) they work great.
I’ve had my Stage 2 Daily Clutch Kit installed for just over 2,000 miles now. After break in period was done I fell in love with it. Clutch pedal is barley any heavier and feels very OEM. This is the only company my local repair shop recommends for clutches & has done lots of them, with zero complaints from customers.
Excellent service from a small clutch shop. Ive used their products in several cars over the last 10 years and I have always been impressed with the performance.
Really cool company. The people are passionate and go above and beyond to do their best.
Excellent company to work with, very professional! Clutches are of the highest quality as well!
Hydraulics went out after 2k miles. They won’t warranty it, what a joke company
Ryan helped me on the phone for a dual disc clutch, told me what i needed and told me what i needed based on my application. Thank you Ryan!!
They fixed my Daughter Car and she Loved it.
Such a good place to go if your looking for a amazing clutch I was In and out within 15 minutes
Been doing business with them for years best place to go.
Exceptional customer service and some of my favorite performance clutches on the market.
With mostly highway miles on a mostly stock 02 Ford 7.3 (just intake and exhaust) and rarely pulling or hauling anything, my Big Bad South Bend Clutch left me stranded on the side of the road 4 hours away from home with only 59k miles on it.South Bend is a joke, buy from someone else, anyone else. Hell, Im going back to a Ford clutch because I know it will last a hell of a lot longer then 59k with light use.
Great clutches backed by customer service that is second to none!
Had a custom feramic clutch made there was a defect talked to david and he had another one made a shipped with in 24hr I have not installed it yet but I have personally herd good things form someone with a similar setup same disc same company (650rwtq) r154 I have had a lot of single disc clutches I will update my review when I replace my clutch but so far the pucks look great. And I have received very good customer service
Boys and Toys! 😉 Quality products and family oriented, and growing.
Great people and a great companyRock solid products with great service.
Awesome customer service one even better product!
Family knit locally owned company.
Well I have had two South Bend clutches in my truck it only has 135,000 miles on it I dont drive the truck that hard I do pull a 36 foot fifth wheel with it after two of these clutches I am going back to OEM I could have bought 3 clutches for what I paid for these boat anchors
They are always great to do business with.
Great personal service
Great people, very helpful.
Awesome parts & people
Very unhappy with product, and very disappointed in service. I mean not even a call back after a week, and 3 messages left.
Fast, friendly, knowledgeable service!
Best products and service
Very informative
Great service!
Excellent Service