300Tdi Discovery
33
CLUTCH
2
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
When the clutch pedal is depressed, hydraulic fluid
transmits the movement via the slave cylinder, release
lever 10, bearing 9, to the inner fingers of the
diaphragm spring 4.
The diaphragm spring 4 pivots on the bearing rings 7
and fulcrum posts 6 causing the pressure plate 5 to
release the clamping force on the friction plate and
linings 2.
As the the clamping force is removed from the friction
plate 2, the plate slides on the splines of the primary
shaft 15 and takes up a neutral position between the
flywheel 1 and the pressure plate 5 , thus breaking the
drive between the engine and the gearbox.
NOTE: Diesel engined vehicles have an
hydraulic damper 19 fitted into the system.
The damper contains a steel diaphragm
which absorbs slight hydraulic pulses caused by
cyclic variations of the diesel engine crankshaft at
low rpm.