CLUTCH

Automotive Clutch
• Used to connect and
disconnect the
engine and manual
transmission or
transaxle
• Allows the driver to
control power flow
between the engine
and transmission or
transaxle
 Clutch Principles
Clutch is
disengaged

Clutch is engaged

Power flow from one unit to another can be controlled with a

drive disc and a driven disc
 Clutch Action (Disengaged)
• When the driver presses the clutch pedal,
the clutch release mechanism pulls or
pushes on the clutch fork
• The fork moves the release bearing into the
center of the pressure plate
• The pressure plate face pulls away from the
clutch disc
• The clutch disc and transmission input do
not turn
Clutch Action (Disengaged)
 Clutch Action (Engaged)

• When the driver releases the clutch pedal,

the spring pressure inside the pressure
plate pushes forward on the clutch disc
• This locks the flywheel, disc, pressure plate,
and transmission input together
• The engine rotates the transmission input
Clutch Action (Engaged)
 Components:

• Main clutch Components are:

– pilot bearing
– flywheel
– clutch disc
– pressure plate
– release bearing
– clutch housing (bell housing)
– clutch fork
 Pilot Bearing

• Pressed into the end of the crankshaft

• Supports the end of the transmission input
shaft
• Usually a solid bronze bushing, roller
bearing, or ball bearing
• Prevents the transmission shaft and clutch
disc from wobbling when the clutch is
released
 Flywheel
• A mounting place for the clutch
• The pressure plate bolts to the flywheel
face
• Flywheel face is precision machined to a
smooth surface, where it contacts the
clutch disc
• Normally made of iron for good wear and
heat dissipation
 Clutch Disc
• Consists of a splinned
metal hub and a
round metal plate
covered with friction
material (lining)
• Splined to the
transmission input
shaft
• Disc is free to slide
back and forth on the
shaft
 Clutch Disc Torsion Springs
• Help absorb some
of the vibration
and shock
produced by
clutch
engagement
• Small coil springs
located between
the clutch disc
hub and the
friction disc
 Clutch Disc Friction Material
• Made of heat-
resistant substances
• Grooves cut in the
material aid cooling
• Rivets are
commonly used to
bond the friction
material to both
sides of the metal
body of the disc
 Pressure Plate

• Spring-loaded device
• Locks or unlocks the clutch disc and the
flywheel
• The clutch disc fits between the flywheel
and pressure plate
• Two basic types:
– coil spring
– diaphragm spring
 Coil Spring
Pressure Plate
Diaphragm Spring Pressure Plate

• Uses a single diaphragm spring instead of

several coil springs
• The diaphragm spring is a large, round disc
of spring steel that rides on a pivot ring part
way in from the outer edge
• Pushing in on the center of the spring
bends the outer edge away from the
engine, releasing the clutch disc
Diaphragm Spring Pressure Plate
 Release Bearing
• Usually a ball bearing and collar assembly
that reduces friction between the pressure
plate levers and the clutch fork
• A few imported vehicles use a graphite
bearing
– ring-shaped block of graphite presses on a
smooth, flat plate on the clutch release levers
Release Bearing
 Clutch Assembly

Diaphragm clutch with a hydraulic

release mechanism
 Hydraulic Clutch Release Mechanism
• Uses a simple hydraulic circuit to transfer
clutch pedal action to the clutch fork
• Components:
– clutch cylinder
– hydraulic line
– slave cylinder
 Clutch Cylinder

• Produces hydraulic pressure for the system

• Mounted to the firewall or cowl
• Push rod links the clutch pedal and the
cylinder piston
• Most systems use brake fluid
Clutch Cylinder
 Slave Cylinder

Uses hydraulic
pressure to cause
clutch fork movement
 Clutch Cable Mechanism

• Uses a steel cable inside a flexible housing

to transfer pedal movement to the clutch
fork
• One end usually has a threaded sleeve for
clutch adjustment
Clutch Cable
Mechanism