Raybestos Clutch Facing

Product Description

Raybestos asbestos clutch facings were composed of asbestos fiber (typically 35-60% by weight in clutch applications) bonded in phenolic resin, supplied as preformed clutch discs for automotive, truck, and industrial clutch assemblies. Clutch facings used substantially higher asbestos content than brake linings due to the more-severe operating temperatures inside an enclosed clutch housing.

Mechanics replacing clutches experienced exposure during clutch removal (dust accumulated inside the housing aerosolized during disassembly), surface preparation, and disposal of worn parts. Worker exposure at Raybestos manufacturing operations was substantial throughout the company’s asbestos-era production.

Asbestos Content

Litigation records document that Raybestos Clutch Facing was alleged to have contained asbestos fiber as a functional filler or reinforcing agent. Asbestos fibers were incorporated into industrial materials of this category to enhance heat resistance, mechanical strength, dimensional stability under thermal cycling, and electrical-insulation properties.

Plaintiffs alleged that asbestos fibers in Raybestos Clutch Facing were typically chrysotile, amosite, or a combination thereof — consistent with industry practice for the asbestos era. When the cured material was subjected to mechanical operations (drilling, grinding, sanding, machining, cutting) or when raw material was handled and processed, those fibers could become airborne.

How Workers Were Exposed

Litigation records document multiple exposure pathways for workers who handled Raybestos Clutch Facing:

Raw material handling: Workers who received, weighed, blended, or transferred the material in production environments could disturb settled asbestos fibers and generate airborne dust.

Manufacturing operations: Workers operating the production equipment — molding presses, lamination presses, compounding mixers, cutting saws — were exposed during normal operation, equipment cleaning, and routine maintenance.

Machining and finishing of finished material: Secondary operations including drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, sanding, sawing, and routing of Raybestos Clutch Facing generated fine dust containing asbestos fibers. These operations were performed by machinists, toolmakers, electricians, and assembly workers who may not have been informed that the material contained asbestos.

Maintenance and tooling work: Maintenance workers responsible for cleaning equipment, servicing presses and mixers, and disposing of accumulated dust in facilities that produced or processed Raybestos Clutch Facing could encounter substantial exposure during cleaning and repair operations.

The occupational exposures associated with asbestos-containing industrial laminates and molding compounds are consistent with patterns recognized by OSHA and NIOSH. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases is typically 20-50 years between initial exposure and diagnosis, meaning workers exposed to products like Raybestos Clutch Facing during the mid-twentieth century may be receiving diagnoses today.

See also

References to manufacturers, products, and litigation history reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed asbestos litigation. This information does not constitute a finding of fact or liability.