RAM 3500 Truck 2WD L6-5.9L DSL Turbo VIN C (2003)
Clutch: Description and Operation
Overrunning Clutch Cam/Overdrive Piston Retainer
OVERRUNNING CLUTCH CAM/OVERDRIVE PISTON RETAINER
DESCRIPTION
The overrunning clutch (Fig. 184) consists of an inner race, an outer race (or cam), rollers and springs, and the spring retainer. The number of rollers
and springs depends on what transmission and which overrunning clutch is being dealt with.
OPERATION
As the inner race is rotated in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the front of the transmission), the race causes the rollers to roll toward the
springs, causing them to compress against their retainer. The compression of the springs increases the clearance between the rollers and cam. This
increased clearance between the rollers and cam results in a freewheeling condition. When the inner race attempts to rotate counterclockwise, the
action causes the rollers to roll in the same direction as the race, aided by the pushing of the springs. As the rollers try to move in the same direction as
the inner race, they are wedged between the inner and outer races due to the design of the cam. In this condition, the clutch is locked and acts as one
unit.
