Clutch: Description and Operation

The single dry-plate clutch is of diaphragm spring type. The main components of the clutch are the clutch plate, pressure plate unit and release bearing.
The clutch plate consists of a spring-loaded steel plate secured to a hub which slides on splines on the clutch shaft. On cars with 5-speed gearbox, the hub is equipped with a damper mechanism. One friction lining is riveted to each side of the clutch plate.





PRESSURE PLATE UNIT
The pressure plate unit consists of the pressure plate, diaphragm-type spring and a sheet steel housing. The diaphragm spring serves as a lever and as a spring. The pressure plate unit must not be dismantled.
The release bearing is a ball bearing with a special outer race which presses directly against the diaphragm spring when the clutch pedal is operated. The clutch is hydraulically operated. The clutch pedal acts on a master cylinder connected hydraulically to a slave cylinder at the gearbox. The slave cylinder is annular, and is arranged around the clutch shaft, inside the clutch housing. The slave cylinder acts directly on the release bearing, and adjustment of the clutch is automatic.





CLUTCH OPERATION
1. Pressure plate
2. Housing
3. Diaphragm spring
4. Pivot rings
5. Release bearing
6. Slave cylinder
7. Master cylinder
8. Clutch pedal
9. Clutch fluid reservoir