Hydraulic Release System

A hydraulic clutch operating mechanism is used on all manual transaxle models and is completely self-adjusting. The mechanism consists of a master cylinder (2), hydraulic line assembly (3), and a slave cylinder (4) which contains an integral clutch release bearing. The fluid for the clutch hydraulic system is provided from the brake master cylinder (1). The clutch master cylinder (2) is mounted to the front of the dash, and is operated directly off the clutch pedal by a pushrod. The slave cylinder (4) is mounted inside the clutch housing of the transaxle, and cannot be disassembled.
As the clutch pedal is depressed, hydraulic fluid under pressure from the master cylinder flows into the slave cylinder and moves the slave cylinder piston forcing the release bearing against the pressure plate assembly. There is a spring mounted between the slave cylinder housing and release bearing which ensures that the release bearing is always held against the pressure plate, which reduces play in the clutch pedal.