Chapter One

Clutch System
 PURPOSE AND
FUNCTION OF A CLUTCH
The clutch assembly is located between the engine and the
transmission/transaxle. The purpose and function of a clutch
include the following:
1. To disconnect the engine from the transmission/transaxle to
permit the engine to remain running when the vehicle is stopped
and to permit the transmission/transaxle to be shifted
2. To connect and transmit engine torque to the transmission/
Transaxle
3. To dampen and absorb engine impulses and drive train vibration
4. To provide a smooth engagement and disengagement between
the engine and the transmission/transaxle
NOTE: The term transmission refers to rear-wheeldrive
vehicles and the term transaxle usually refers to front-
wheel-drive vehicles that have a differential built into the
unit. A separate differential is used with a transmission
COMPONENT PARTS AND OPERATION
OF A CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
A clutch assembly consists of a clutch disc that is splined
to the input shaft of the transmission/transaxle. When the
driver depresses the clutch pedal, a throwout bearing
(release bearing) is forced against the fingers of the
pressure plate. The pressure plate is bolted to and rotates
with the flywheel. SEE FIGURE 1–1. When force is
exerted on the center of the pressure plate, the pressure is
released from the clutch disc that has been forced against
the engine flywheel.
With the pressure removed from the clutch disc, the engine can be
operated without transferring torque to the transmission/transaxle.
This also permits the transmission/transaxle to be shifted because
a shift cannot be made if the transmission/transaxle is transferring
engine torque. When the driver reduces force on the clutch pedal,
the pedal return spring and the pressure plate spring combine to
return the clutch pedal to its at-rest position (clutch-engaged
position). When the clutch pedal moves up, the pressure on the
throwout bearing is released and the force against the pressure
plate spring(s) is released allowing the force of the pressure plate
to clamp the clutch disc tightly between the flywheel and the
pressure plate. SEE FIGURE 1–2.
 Additional related parts include the pilot bearing (or
bushing) that supports the front of the transmission input
shaft. SEE FIGURE 1–3 . The throwout bearing is often
supported and rides on the transmission/transaxle front
bearing retainer (also called the quill).
NOTE: Most front-wheel-drive transaxles do not use a
pilot bearing.
TO SUMMARIZE:
 WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS UP, THE CLUTCH IS
ENGAGED.
 WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DOWN, THE CLUTCH
IS DISENGAGED
3 CLUTCH PEDAL LINKAGE
 There are three methods of transferring the force of the
driver’s foot to the throwout (release) bearing, including:
1. Levers and rods. Through a series of levers and rods, the
release fork is forced against the throwout bearing. This
method was commonly used on many older vehicles.
2. Cable operation. A cable is used similar to a brake cable
used on a bicycle. SEE FIGURE 1– 4 .
3. Hydraulic. A small master cylinder and a slave cylinder
located near the throwout bearing is a very common
method of connecting the clutch pedal to the release fork
on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. SEE
FIGURES 1–5 AND 1–6 .
1.4 CLUTCH DISC
The clutch disc is round with a splined center hole that
slips over the splines of the input shaft of the
transmission/ transaxle. Friction material is riveted to both
sides of the clutch disc—one side touches the flywheel of
the engine and the other side touches the friction surface
of the pressure plate. Friction material is either woven or
molded from a mixture of other materials. Woven
materials are softer and help cushion clutch engagement,
but they may not last as long as molded materials
Friction materials operate in high heat and pressure. For
many years, asbestos was the most common material used
in both clutch and brake linings. However, it is no longer
used because inhaling tiny particles of asbestos causes
lung damage. Today, clutch friction material may contain
paper, cotton, and bits of copper or brass wire with resin
holding the mixture together.