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New in
Clutch University
What's
the best way to drive my manual transmission car?
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| Chapter 1 |
Clutch and
Clutch System functions
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(click on any image to enlarge)
WHAT IS A
CLUTCH?
A clutch is
the device that couples the engine to the drivetrain.
It is designed so that it can be positively disengaged by depressing the
clutch pedal. This disconnects the engine and drivetrain. Releasing
the clutch pedal engages the clutch, connecting the engine and drivetrain.
There are
several different types of clutches depending on the application or use of the
vehicle.
CLUTCH
SYSTEMS
When the
clutch couples the engine to the drivetrain, it
is transmitting the power of the engine to the drivetrain.
In a street or a race application, the smoother the clutch applies the
power to the driveline, the better the vehicle will perform.
Think of your
clutch system in terms of the braking system.
If you lightly apply the brakes in stopping, the vehicle will stop in a
smooth manner. If you stab the
brake pedal, the brakes are likely to lock up and a skid will occur.
The same principle applies to the clutch.
If the clutch is engaged with too much pressure, the tires are likely to
spin. When the pressure of the
clutch is controlled, the clutch is able to apply the torque of the engine
smoothly to the drivetrain without excessive tire spin.
Just like your
brake system, over time the friction components of the clutch system will wear.
The more you use the brakes, the faster they wear.
The more the clutch is slipped to provide smooth engagement, the faster
it will wear.
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| Components
of the clutch system, left to right: pilot bushing, flywheel,
clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing |
COMPONENTS
THAT MAKE UP A CLUTCH SYSTEM
- PRESSURE
PLATE – This is the pressure mechanism that clamps the disc to the
flywheel to get the vehicle moving. Pressing in the pedal relieves the
pressure from the clutch disc to disengage the engine from the drivetrain
for shifting or stopping.
- CLUTCH
DISC – The clutch disc is a flat plate with friction materials on both
sides. As the pressure plate is
engaged (pedal let out), the clutch disc is clamped to the flywheel.
When the pressure plate is disengaged, (pedal pushed in) the clutch disc is
unclamped. The disc is connected to the input shaft of the
transmission by the splined hub, causing the input shaft to turn when the
clutch is engaged, thus causing the vehicle to move.
- FLYWHEEL
– The flywheel is an inertia device that is bolted to the engine
crankshaft. It has several
functions including carrying the ring gear the starter uses to crank the
engine, storing energy to get the vehicle moving from a standing stop, and
providing the friction surface for the clutch disc to be clamped to.
- RELEASE
BEARING – The release bearing is the actuating device that engages and
disengages the pressure plate. When
the clutch pedal is depressed, the release bearing applies pressure to the
fingers of the pressure plate to disengage the drivetrain.
When the clutch pedal is released, the release bearing retracts and
allows the pressure plate to apply pressure to clamp the disc against the
flywheel.
- RELEASE
FORK - The release fork holds the release bearing, and pivots on a ball stud
as the pedal is pressed in or let out. Pushing in the pedal pivots the
fork towards the pressure plate and forces the release bearing against the
clutch fingers, pressing them in to disengage the clutch.
- PILOT
BUSHING - The pilot bushing or bearing installs in the end of the
crankshaft. When the transmission is installed, the input shaft tip
inserts into the pilot bushing, which supports the input in the back of the
crankshaft.
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