Discovery II
CLUTCH - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
33-2-7
Pressure plate
1 Leaf spring
2 Fulcrum ring
3 Fulcrum ring
4 Drive plate
5 Pressure plate
6 Diaphragm
7 Cover
8 Rivet
9 Retractor clip
The pressure plate assembly comprises a pressure plate, cover and diaphragm and is mounted on and rotates with
the flywheel.
The pressure plate is forged from cast iron and machined to provide a smooth surface for the drive plate to engage
on. Three lugs on the outer diameter of the pressure plate connect it via three leaf springs to the cover. The leaf
springs have two tempered steel leaves which assist in pulling the pressure plate away from the drive plate when the
clutch pedal is depressed.
The cover is made from pressed steel and houses and locates all pressure plate components. Shouldered rivets
support the diaphragm and fulcrum rings inside the cover. The cover also provides attachment for balance weights
when the pressure plate assembly is balanced. Three holes in the cover locate on the dowels on the flywheel and six
further holes provide for the attachment of the cover to the flywheel with six bolts and spring washers. Larger holes
in the cover provide ventilation for the drive plate and pressure plate and flywheel contact surfaces.
The diaphragm comprises a cast ring with eighteen fingers. The diaphragm is attached to the cover with nine
shouldered rivets. Two circular steel fulcrum rings are also secured by the shouldered rivets on each side of the
diaphragm. The fulcrum rings allow the diaphragm to pivot between them when the clutch is depressed or released.
When pressure is applied to the diaphragm fingers by the release bearing, the diaphragm pivots between the fulcrum
rings and moves away from the pressure plate. Retractor clips are secured to the pressure plate and are located on
the outer diameter of the diaphragm. The retractor clips ensure that the diaphragm remains in contact with the
pressure plate.
