Clutch: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The clutch unit installed with the manual transmission, comprise a single dry plate friction disc and diaphragm spring clutch unit, secured to the engine flywheel.

OPERATION





NOTE: Refer to the illustration above for the component legend.

The unit is operated hydraulically by the clutch master cylinder 12 and a slave cylinder 13 attached to the transmission bell housing.

When the clutch pedal is depressed, hydraulic fluid transmits the movement via the slave cylinder, release lever 10, bearing 9, to the inner fingers of the diaphragm spring 4.

The diaphragm spring 4 pivots on the bearing rings 7 and fulcrum posts 6 causing the pressure plate 5 to release the clamping force on the friction plate and linings 2.

As the clamping force is removed from the friction plate 2, the plate slides on the splines of the primary shaft 15 and takes up a neutral position between the flywheel 1 and the pressure plate 5, thus breaking the drive between the engine and the gearbox.

NOTE:
^ Diesel engine vehicles have a hydraulic damper 19 installed into the system.
^ The damper contains a steel diaphragm which absorbs slight hydraulic pulses caused by cyclic variations of the diesel engine crankshaft at low rpm.