Hydraulic Clutch Description

The clutch hydraulic system consists of a master cylinder and an actuator cylinder. When pressure is applied to the clutch pedal (pedal depressed), the pushrod contacts the plunger and pushes it down the bore of the master cylinder. In the first 0.8 mm (0.031 inch) of movement, the recuperation seal closes the port to the fluid reservoir tank, and as the plunger continues to move down the bore of the cylinder, the fluid is forced through the outlet line to the actuator cylinder. As fluid is pushed down the pipe from the master cylinder, this in turn forces the pistons in the actuator cylinder outward. As the actuator cylinder piston moves forward, it forces the release bearing to disengage the clutch pressure plate from the clutch disc. On the return stroke (pedal released), the plunger moves back as a result of the return pressure of the clutch. Fluid returns to the master cylinder and the final movement of the plunger opens the port to the fluid reservoir, allowing an unrestricted flow of fluid between system and reservoir.