Clutch: Description and Operation

GENERAL DESCRIPTION









The clutch is a diaphragm-spring clutch of a dry single disc type. The diaphragm spring is of a tapering-finger type, which is a solid ring in the outer diameter part, with a series of tapered fingers pointing inward.
The disc, carrying torsional coil springs, is positioned on the transmission input shaft with an involute spline fit.
The clutch cover is secured to the flywheel, and carries the diaphragm spring in such a way that the peripheral edge part of the spring pushes on the pressure plate against the flywheel (with the disc in between), when the clutch release bearing is held back. This is the engaged condition of the clutch.
Depressing the clutch pedal causes the release bearing to advance and pushes on the tips of the tapered fingers of the diaphragm spring. When this happens, the diaphragm spring pulls the pressure plate away from the flywheel, thereby interrupting the flow of drive from flywheel through clutch disc to transmission input shaft.