How clutch works

Clutch clearance: as long as the clutch pedal is not depressed, the release bearing maintains a distance from the clutch pressure plate belleville spring. With increasing mileage, the clutch clearance decreases in the same way as the wear of the clutch disc: the disc spring of the pressure plate approaches the release bearing. As soon as the bearing begins to rest against the disc spring without play, the pressure plate is unloaded. As a result of this, the clamping pressure of the driven disc to the adjacent surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate is automatically reduced. If the gap is not corrected, the clutch no longer transmits torque to the gearbox without slipping - the clutch slips.

Clutch disengagement: when you depress the clutch pedal, the release bearing overcomes the force of the belleville spring. The pressure plate is unloaded and, when the pedal is fully depressed, is pulled back. The driven disc rotates freely between the pressure plate and the flywheel.

Clutch engagement: The unloaded Belleville pressure plate spring presses the driven plate against the engine flywheel. At this stage, the friction linings of the clutch disc slide over the flywheel and pressure plate for a short time. When the pedal is disengaged, the down pressure of the automatic clutch increases so much that the driven plate stops and the connection between the flywheel and the pressure plate is closed. Engine power is completely transferred to the gearbox.

«Clutch killers»

Doubtful glory «clutch killers» ahead of those motorists who quite calmly set their car in motion with «howling engine» and slipper clutch: «clutch killers» «heavy clutch pedal» regularly create a dramatic situation between the friction linings of the clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel. Temperatures develop in the area of the sliding clutch, which quickly damage the clutch disc and pressure plate. Drivers who constantly keep their foot on the clutch pedal while driving, pay for their convenience with increased wear. Another bad habit «clutch killers»: instead of engaging neutral and handbrake (parking brake) they keep their car at red lights or on hills with 1st gear balanced by the clutch pedal and accelerator pedal. As a result, not only the clutch suffers, but over time also the release bearing and the crankshaft thrust bearing. If you don't sympathize «clutch killers», always disengage the clutch at a red traffic light and engage 1st gear only when the traffic light turns yellow. And while driving - between gear changes - keep your foot next to the clutch pedal, not on it.