Clutch (Clutch components): Description and operation

CLUTCH COMPONENTS

1. Flywheel
2. Clutch plate
3. Pressure plate
4. Release bearing
5. Release fork
6. Release fork spring
7. Release shaft oil seal
8. Release shaft

OPERATION

When the clutch pedal is depressed, fluid is pumped from the master cylinder under pressure to the slave cylinder piston which applies pressure directly to the release arm. The release shaft rotates and moves the release fork which presses the release bearing against the cluch diaphragm fingers which deflect, removing pressure from the clutch plate to disengage the clutch.

When pressure is released from the clutch pedal, the diaphragm fingers push the release bearing back and force the clutch plate under spring pressure against the flywheel.