Clutch: Description and Operation

CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The clutch mechanism consists of a flywheel, dry type disc, diaphragm style pressure plate and hydraulic linkage. The flywheel is bolted to the rear flange of the crankshaft. The clutch pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel with the clutch disc between these two components.

The clutch system provides the mechanical, link between the engine and the transmission. The system is designed to transfer the torque output of the engine, to the transmission while isolating the transmission from the engine firing pulses to minimize concerns such as gear rattle.


OPERATION
The clutch operates with leverage, clamping force and friction. The disc serves as the friction element, the diaphragm spring and pressure plate provide the clamping force. The clutch pedal, hydraulic linkage, release lever and bearing provide the leverage.

The clutch master cylinder push rod is connected to the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the slave cylinder is operated by the clutch master cylinder mounted on the dash panel. The release fork is actuated by the hydraulic slave cylinder mounted on the transmission housing.

The release bearing is operated by a release fork pivoting on a ball stud mounted in the transmission housing. The release bearing then depresses the pressure plate spring fingers, thereby releasing pressure on the clutch disc and allowing the engine crankshaft to spin independently of the transmission input shaft.