Dual Disc Centerplates: Floating vs. Strapped – What You Need to Know

When upgrading to a dual disc clutch, one of the most critical design choices involves the centerplate. Specifically, whether to opt for a floating or strapped configuration. Understanding the differences between these two designs is essential for selecting the right clutch for your application, whether it’s a daily driver, a high-performance street build, or a dedicated race vehicle.

What is a Dual Disc Clutch?

A dual disc clutch is a performance-oriented upgrade over traditional single-disc clutches. By utilizing two clutch discs instead of one, dual disc clutches offer increased surface area, improved torque handling, and greater durability. This makes them a popular choice for high-horsepower applications, including diesel trucks, muscle cars, and performance imports.

Understanding the Centerplate

The centerplate, also known as the floater plate, is the component positioned between the two clutch discs. It plays a key role in ensuring smooth engagement and disengagement. The way the centerplate is designed and secured within the clutch assembly determines how the clutch operates and feels under load.

Floating vs. Strapped Centerplates

Dual disc clutches generally come with two types of centerplate designs: floating and strapped. Each has its own advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your performance needs and driving style.

Floating Centerplate

• How It Works: A floating centerplate is not physically secured to the clutch cover. Instead, it is allowed to move freely within the clutch assembly.
• Performance Benefits: This design is commonly used in high-performance and racing applications because it allows for faster engagement and smoother shifting under extreme conditions.
• Sound & Vibration: Floating centerplates tend to produce a characteristic rattling noise at idle when the clutch pedal is released. While harmless, it can be an annoyance for daily drivers.
• Durability: Floating designs typically handle higher torque loads better than strapped alternatives.

Strapped Centerplate

• How It Works: A strapped centerplate is secured to the pressure plate via steel straps, keeping it in a fixed position relative to the clutch assembly.
• Performance Benefits: Strapped centerplates are ideal for street-driven vehicles because they significantly reduce noise and vibration.
• Smooth Engagement: The straps eliminate the rattle commonly associated with floating centerplates, making for a smoother, quieter clutch engagement.
• Torque Handling: While strapped centerplates are highly durable, they may not handle as much torque as floating designs in extreme performance applications.

Which Centerplate is Right for You?

Choosing between a floating and a strapped centerplate depends on your driving needs:

• For high-performance racing or extreme torque applications – A floating centerplate is the preferred choice due to its superior torque handling and fast engagement.
• For a daily-driven vehicle or street performance build – A strapped centerplate is better suited, offering smoother, quieter operation.

Final Thoughts

Both floating and strapped centerplates serve critical roles in dual disc clutch systems. The right choice depends on your performance needs, driving comfort preferences, and how much noise and vibration you’re willing to tolerate. South Bend Clutch offers high-quality dual disc clutches tailored to various applications, ensuring you get the best performance and longevity for your vehicle.