Clutch Operation Facts
Clutch operation is what links the massive amount of engine power to your manual transmission which is then funneled to your drive wheels. The clutch is a wearable item that will eventually need maintenance if the vehicle is kept long enough. Clutches that have become worn and that are not repaired can not only reduce power but can reduce fuel economy as well. Drivers with slipping clutches may want to put off repairs but eventually they will need to be addressed. This is because the clutch is located between the transmission and engine and provides a mechanical coupling between the engine output flywheel and the input shaft of the transmission. Without this coupling motion is not possible. On this page were going to discuss how a clutch works and the names and operation of its various components. On the next page we will discuss diagnosis and repair practices for these components.
Clutch operation principlesThe power output from the engine is supplied by the flywheel. It is the job of the clutch disc which is made of a friction material similar to brake pad material to engage the flywheel and spin the input shaft of a manual transmission.
The flywheel itself is bolted to the crankshaft and balanced for smooth operation. The pressure plate is also mounted to the flywheel via strong bolts. Also note there is a bore in the center of the crankshaft that holds a pilot bushing or bearing that supports the front end of the input shaft and maintains alignment with the engines crankshaft. The clutch disc that provides the power transfer from the engine to the transmission is controlled by the force of the pressure plate assembly.
The pressure plate is responsible for squeezing the clutch disc against the flywheel with sufficient force to translate full engine torque without slipping. It must also move away from the clutch disc to allow disengagement from the flywheel when the clutch pedal is depressed to stop motion of the vehicle. The clutch disc is designed to ensure that such things as crankshaft vibration, sudden hard engagement and drive-line shock do not damage other drive train components via dampening springs.
Clutch release bearing operation
Most often called a throw out bearing the clutch release bearing is usually a pre-lubricated and sealed needle or ball bearings assembly. Its function is to smoothly and quietly move the pressure plate release levers or diaphragm springs through the disengagement and applied processes. When the clutch is engaged the release bearing slides to the rear of the main shaft that is mounted on. It is controlled by a clutch fork that is either hydraulically or mechanically connected to the clutch pedal. This allows the pressure plate to move forward and clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel.
The clutch release bearing noise diagnosis should be performed with the manual transmission in the neutral position to assure that there are minimal spinning parts inside the transmission. With the parking brake set and the manual transmission in neutral a clutch release bearing noise can be isolated by pushing on and then letting off of the clutch pedal. If the noise goes away when the pedal is released the most likely cause is a worn throwout bearing.
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