The clutch pressure plate is rigidly connected to the engine flywheel, and the flywheel is attached to the flange of the engine crankshaft. Between the clutch pressure plate and the flywheel is a driven clutch disc, which presses the clutch pressure plate against the flywheel. The driven clutch disc is located on the splined drive shaft of the gearbox.
When you press the clutch pedal, the clutch release bearing is pressed through the clutch rod and the clutch release lever, and it is pressed against the force of the clutch pressure plate spring.
As a result, the driven clutch disc, located between the flywheel and the pressure plate, becomes free, i.e. the power connection between the engine and the gearbox is removed. If you release the clutch pedal again, the pressure plate presses the driven disc to the flywheel. The power connection between the engine and the gearbox is created again, since the pressed pressure plate is rigidly connected to the gearbox shaft by means of splines.
Each time the clutch pedal is pressed and released, a slight grinding process occurs, which wears down the friction lining of the driven disk. Thus, the driven clutch disk is a fast-wearing part. On average, one driven disk is enough for 100,000 km. The wear of the disk largely depends on the load (driving with a trailer) and the nature of the movement.
Since the clutch pedal clearance changes with progressive wear of the clutch friction linings, it is necessary to check it as part of a regular technical inspection and, if necessary, adjust it.
1 - Clutch slave disc; 2 - Clutch pressure plate; 3 - Clutch release mechanism; 4 - Shock absorber; 5 - Counter support for clutch rod; 6 - Clutch rod; 7 - Adjusting screw; 8 - Clutch release lever