CLUTCH OUTLINE
BUE051016003N01
Clutch System
• The clutch system transmits fluid pressure to the slave cylinder, which in turn moves the clutch release fork and the clutch release hub and bearing.
• The clutch master cylinder uses brake fluid and shares a common reservoir with the brake master cylinder.
• The clutch is a single plate, dry-friction disc with a diaphragm-style spring clutch pressure plate.
• The clutch disc has a hub which is splined to the input shaft, and friction material where it contacts the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate. Torsion springs on the clutch disc help absorb the engine torque pulses.
• The clutch pressure plate applies pressure to the clutch disc, holding it tightly against the surface of the flywheel. In the engaged position, the diaphragm spring holds the clutch pressure plate against the clutch disc, so that engine torque is transmitted to the input shaft. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch release hub and bearing pushes the diaphragm spring center toward the flywheel. The diaphragm spring pivots at the fulcrum, relieving the load on the clutch pressure plate. Steel spring straps riveted to the clutch pressure plate cover pull the clutch pressure plate from the clutch disc, disengaging the engine torque from the transaxle and enabling the gears to be changed.
Clutch Operation Mechanism
• The clutch operating mechanism consists of a hydraulic clutch master cylinder that uses fluid drawn from the brake master cylinder reservoir, a clutch slave cylinder, a clutch release fork, and a clutch release hub and bearing. In addition, a pilot bearing is mounted in the engine crankshaft to maintain input shaft alignment.
• The clutch system engages and disengages the manual transaxle from the engine. The clutch system is disengaged when the clutch pedal is depressed and is engaged when the clutch pedal is released.
• When the clutch pedal is depressed it pushes the clutch master cylinder plunger which hydraulically actuates the clutch slave cylinder. This extends the slave cylinder actuating rod which forces the clutch release fork to press the release bearing into the center of the diaphragm spring of the clutch pressure plate. This action forces the clutch pressure plate to move away from the clutch disc, releasing it from the flywheel. These actions interrupt power flow by disengaging the input shaft from the engine.