Clutch: Description and Operation

When the clutch pedal is depressed, fluid is forced from the master cylinder into a slave cylinder. The slave cylinder pushrod moves the clutch release lever which in turn pivots on a trunnion in the flywheel housing, and forces the release bearing against the pressure plate release fingers.

When the clutch pedal is released, the master cylinder return spring and the release lever retracting spring force the fluid from the slave cylinder back to the master cylinder.

The fluid used in this system is the same as that used in the brake system. A bleeder fitting is installed on the slave cylinder and procedures for bleeding are the same as those for brakes. The master cylinder fluid level should be maintained at 1/2 inch below the top of the master cylinder reservoir.