Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

The Focus is fitted with a hydraulic clutch mechanism similar to the one installed in the '97 Mondeo. The brake fluid reservoir with separate chamber is used to supply the system.

When the clutch pedal is depressed, pressure builds up in the clutch master cylinder and the integral release bearing in the clutch slave cylinder is actuated.

The advantages of the hydraulic clutch are as follows:

• Automatic readjustment
• Low actuation force required
• Low-wearing

The following aspects have been modified in relation to the '97 Mondeo:

• Bleed and pressure connections on the clutch slave cylinder
• Connections on the clutch master cylinder
• Omission of the pre-pressure valve in favor of a spring which creates the preload
• It is no longer possible to adjust the clutch pedal travel

Reservoir

The brake fluid reservoir supplies brake fluid to the hydraulic clutch system and the brake system.

The hydraulic clutch system and brake system are arranged separately inside the brake fluid reservoir. If leaks occur in the hydraulic clutch system, the brake system continues to operate unrestrictedly.

Clutch master cylinder

The clutch master cylinder generates the system pressure required to actuate the clutch.

If the clutch pedal is depressed, the piston rod moves the clutch master cylinder piston. The hydraulic fluid in the clutch master cylinder is forced through the high-pressure line to the clutch slave cylinder.

Clutch slave cylinder

The central clutch slave cylinder with integral thrust bearing is fixed to the clutch housing by three bolts. The thrust bearing is interference fitted to the clutch slave cylinder.

The hydraulic fluid forced from the piston in the clutch master cylinder moves the piston in the clutch slave cylinder which, in turn, moves the release bearing in an axial direction. The release bearing inner ring presses onto the diaphragm spring tongues. The non-positive connection between the clutch disc and the flywheel is interrupted.

Once the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring pushes the piston in the clutch slave cylinder back to its initial position. The non-positive connection between the clutch disc and the flywheel is re-established.