Clutch CD c2005, Wikimedia Commons (sonett72).
Clutch Basics
The clutch on a guideline volume transmission works to associate or disrupt the flow of capacity from the engine to the transmission. The clutch enables the automobile to begin and shift smoothly, and allows the engine to drop when the automobile is at a speck, without putting the automobile into impartial. The clutch is specious up of six basic components: the flywheel, clutch CD, compel plate, springs, the levers and linkage cold to function the clutch and the complete clutch housing.
Flywheel
The flywheel, an exceptional connecting gear for engine starting and action, is besides forms the representation to the unabridged clutch meeting. A centre bearing in the flywheel supports the outward point of the transmission input shaft. The clutch pressure plate cover bolts to the outside edge of the flywheel. The clutch side of the flywheel is machined smooth to provide a good surface for friction against the clutch disc.
Clutch Disc
The clutch disc is round and thin, like a music CD, but made of highly durable steel. The center hub of the clutch disk is cut to fit splines on the transmission input shaft. The clutch disc can move freely toward the flywheel or away, but if it rotates, it engages the splines on the transmission input shaft and forces the shaft to turn with the disc. Rough friction material is riveted to both sides of the clutch disc's outer edges, where it engages with the flywheel on one side and the pressure plate on the other.
Pressure Plate
The pressure plate is round, similar in size to the clutch disc, and usually made of cast iron. The side that presses against the clutch disc is machined smooth to provide a friction surface. The other side is molded to meet up with the pressure plate springs and release levers.
Springs, Release Levers and Clutch Pressure Plate Cover
Coil springs are attached to the interior of a domed clutch cover, and exert pressure against the pressure plate to force it into the clutch disc. Release levers are attached to the cover on a hinge, and when engaged, draw the pressure plate back away from the clutch disc. The clutch cover encloses the springs, levers, pressure plate and clutch disc, and its edges are bolted to the flywheel.
This pause in power and rotation allows the gears inside the transmission to be shifted easily and smoothly into place. Releasing the clutch pedal then causes all clutch components to compress and spin in unison again, powering the transmission and wheels for forward motion.
The concave design puts pressure on the edges against the pressure plate. Pushing on the metal fingers flattens the disc and releases the pressure against the plate.
Clutch Release Lever Operating Mechanism
A ball bearing or "throw-out" bearing is mounted on a sleeve that slides along the transmission input shaft. A fork lever extends from this sleeve, controlling when the throw-out bearing slides forward against the diaphragm spring (or release levers) or backward towards the transmission.
Clutch Housing and Clutch Pedal
The clutch housing is a larger dome cover made of cast iron or aluminum. One end connects to the transmission, flares up over the clutch components and flywheel, and the opposite end bolts to the engine. There are openings in the housing to allow air circulation and cooling. The throw-out fork extends out through one of these openings. The clutch pedal is connected to the throw-out fork by a series of links and cables, or hydraulic lines.
How the Clutch Components Work Together.
The clutch disc (3) and transmission input shaft (6) are splined together and move as one unit. When the car is in motion, the disc is pressed between the flywheel (2) and pressure plate (4), and the entire clutch assembly and shaft revolve together. Depressing the clutch pedal engages the throw-out fork, which pushes the bearing and sleeve (7) against the diaphragm spring (5) (or release levers). This releases the pressure plate, which backs off of the clutch disc. The clutch disc and transmission input shaft stop rotating with the clutch assembly. Power from the engine is no longer reaching the transmission.
