The hydraulic clutch mechanism takes the place of the cable operated clutch formerly used.
It essentially consists of a clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder, high-pressure pipes, hoses and brake fluid reservoir.
Brake fluid is used to transmit the force. A separate chamber in the brake fluid reservoir acts as a supply reservoir for the hydraulic clutch system.
The separate chamber for the clutch system ensures that if the clutch system develops a leak the operation of the braking system is not impaired.
When the clutch pedal is depressed, the brake fluid from the clutch master cylinder is forced through the high-pressure line into the clutch slave cylinder.
The clutch master cylinder is connected by means of the piston rod and the connecting bush to the clutch pedal.
The clutch slave cylinder is located within the transaxle housing.
The system pressure depends on the counteracting force required to overcome the clutch diaphragm spring.
Advantages of the hydraulic clutch mechanism
- Reduced pedal effort and shorter pedal travel.
- More efficient transmission of the pedal effort through reduced friction losses.
- Less noise and vibration transmitted from the engine.
- Reduced servicing as the clutch play is automatically adjusted.
