Clutch Mechanism – Td4 Engines

The clutch driven plate used is of the spring centre type. The spring centre drive plate allows angular movement of the hub at low torque levels and rotational forces are damped by the springs. The K Series drive plate is 228 mm (9.0 in) diameter and has a facing material manufactured from Valeo F808.

Clutch Mechanism – Td4 Engines

The clutch mechanism comprises a dual mass flywheel, clutch driven plate, clutch cover assembly and a hydraulically operated release bearing. The clutch mechanism is fully enclosed at the end of the engine by a bell housing formed by the gearbox casing.

The release bearing is located on a tube which covers the gearbox input shaft and is connected by a pipe to the master cylinder. The release bearing is kept in contact with the pressure plate diaphragm by a spring which is located on the slave cylinder piston.

The dual mass flywheel comprises a primary mass and a secondary mass which, via the clutch driven plate, transmit drive to the gearbox. The secondary mass is located on a roller bearing in the primary mass. The primary mass is secured on the flanged end of the crankshaft with six bolts. The drive between the secondary and primary masses is achieved by a torsional spring damper. The flywheel insulates the gearbox from torsional and transient vibrations produced by the engine, giving an improved drive train refinement.

The operating face of the flywheel is machined to provide a smooth surface for the clutch driven plate to engage on. Three dowels in the secondary mass provide location for the clutch cover assembly which is secured with six bolts. The flywheel is balanced to ensure that it does not produce vibration when rotating.

A ring gear is located on the outer diameter of the flywheel. The ring gear is not serviceable and a new flywheel is necessary if the gear becomes worn or damaged.

Clutch Cover Assembly

1 Diaphragm spring 2 Cover 3 Pressure plate

4 Fulcrum rings 5 Drive straps