South Bend Clutch Inc

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Brad Staskowicz
3 months ago
I had an issue with the stage 3 clutch in my 2015 sti. After removal there were some strange heat spots on the pressure plate. Trent , Rocco and Landon took care of it by resurfacing and replacing the parts as needed a d had it shipped back out quickly . The woman (I'm sorry I don't remember your name. Debbie? Maybe ) answered countless phone calls and made sure I got everything I needed. I felt like family .Looking forward to reinstalling it and getting it broken in.

  Robert Chodzinski
a year ago
Knowledgeable, and product are pretty high quality. Works great on my 88 mustang. Got the kevlar one. Might have been like a stage 2. Wasn't sure how grabby it would be but I can slip it just as much if I want as the stock one. So super smooth cruising, and a lot of grab when I need it. She's healthy!

  Musik Haus
2 years ago
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". I've been driving manual cars for my entire driving career(over 15yrs), replaced multiple clutches, tracking events for years, and this is the first time I've 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, I've 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 can't 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. I've heard good things before this and sorry to say I'll 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. I'm 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 I'm just anxious to even drive a car I used to have fun driving as I'll be wondering when the clutch is going to blow up again. I'll probably be replacing for peace of mind once I can save up enough for a new one.

  Mikail Pinette
2 years ago
We always put SBC clutches in all our high performance builds. Never had a failure.Classic Imports inc.

  Nick Searles
7 months ago
I was having a hard time deciding which clutch I needed to order for my truck even though I read through the literature on the website on selecting what clutch you need. I didn t think it was unreasonable to call southbend and ask them just so I knew the $1700+ I was spending would get me exactly what I needed. From the lady who answered the phone to the arrogant pr*ck who answered the phone I was shocked to be treated the way I was for trying to do business with this company. I called valair and the guy who picked up was happy to answer the same question (one I am sure he s been asked millions of times as well), and now I not only saved myself a couple bucks, I know valair atleast has a grain of customer service in them. Spend your money wisely folks, couldn t imagine dealing with south bend clutch if you had an issue under warranty. Thanks south bend for helping me make a decision, too bad it wasn t one of your products.

  Yordan Rashkov
a year ago
Absolute top-notch hardware backed by the most outstanding customer service. It is obvious that professionalism, patience, and a 'people-first' attitude means everything to this company and its people.

  David Waddington
3 years ago
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.

  Kenny Southway
2 years ago
Bought a south bend clutch put it in the truck and 16k miles later it wouldn t disengage fully causing 1st and 2nd gear to grenade and have no synchros left then to see heat marks on the flywheel. Called many times and no body would return my calls or anything after Landon told me they would cover half the rebuild of the transmission when it came time to pay it they denied everything saying they never spoke to me or anything. Worst customer service and worst people and company to deal with. Losing 1500$ on a clutch and paying 7,000$ to rebuild it is a joke to them. That s why I bought a valiar clutch and those people are amazing. South bend is not what they hype it to be at all!!

  David Shattler
3 years ago
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. Didn't take me seriously. I don't want anything from them as I won't 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. Don't buy their products!!!!

  Joe Stockton
4 years ago
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 can't even get online and order one somewhere else. All the time they wouldn't ship the clutch because they couldn't 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.

  Andy Duffus
3 years ago
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 didn't 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.

  Wood St
a year ago
Horrible service. No way to get ahold of them for technical support for their products. Spend $1300 on a clutch and get poorly written instructions that say "remove clutch assembly, install assembly", no torques provided for components they tell you to remove. Then they tell you to contact an authorized dealer none of which can answer a phone or call you back.

  Nicolas Sanchez
6 years ago
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. I'm 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".

  Ray Leal
4 years ago
Used this clutch for 5 months now. Works fantastic , I've 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.

  josh verkamp
4 years ago
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

  Jonathon chappell
5 years ago
South bend clutches are great! Used them a few times and always had a great experience. Recently they helped on an issue with a customer's truck, and resolved an problem that another shop had caused. They have great customer service!

  spelt wrong
7 years ago
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

  Kasey Warmbein
2 years ago
Poor customer service, don't 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 didn't 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 there's no way that's 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 there's 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.

  Tommy Hobbs
6 years ago
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!

  thomas
8 years ago
Awesome company and awesome service. Andy and John are always willing to help you out. I've had a few clutches rebuilt/replaced by them because of their great drivability and ability to hold power at the same time. I wouldn't choose any other brand of clutch for any of my vehicles. If you're in search of a clutch, check them out!

  Connie Neace
4 months ago
Had what was needed and did not have to go every place to find everything

  Theron Wesanko
5 years ago
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.

  Dominic Nicandri
4 years ago
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 wouldn't 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!

  Baron Schultheis
4 years ago
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.

  valchakos
2 years ago
To deliver a truckload here :From US-20 take 331 NorthTake a left on McKinley Highway (bus. 20)Take a left on N Main StreetTake a right on Jefferson BlvdThe building will be on your left hand sideTake a left on Benton Str as their delivery entrance will be on that streetPretty quick unload, friendly folks .On Benton Str workers park their cars so it will be a little tight

  Nick De Leon
6 years ago
If you like to receive clutches that don't 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.Don't waste your money or time with this place.

  Landon Campion
2 years ago
Just went to get a new clutch and get my flywheel resurfaced and the sales man talked me into the whole new kit for a smoking deal. Highly recommended

  Matthew Wynn
7 years ago
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, I'm going back to a Ford clutch because I know it will last a hell of a lot longer then 59k with light use.

  Mike Gruizinga
5 years ago
Excellent service from a small clutch shop. I've used their products in several cars over the last 10 years and I have always been impressed with the performance.

  Justin Robichaud
5 years ago
Absolutely amazing company. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. They resurface all of our flywheels for us and always turn out great.