Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The clutch system consists of the following components:

Flywheel.
Clutch disc.
Pressure plate.
Clutch master cylinder.
Clutch slave cylinder.
Clutch release fork.
Clutch release hub and bearing.

The clutch system transmits fluid pressure to the slave cylinder, which in turn moves the clutch release fork and the clutch release hub and bearing. The clutch master cylinder uses brake fluid and shares a common reservoir with the brake master cylinder.

The clutch is a single plate, dry-friction disc with a diaphragm-style spring pressure plate. The clutch disc has a hub which is splined to the input shaft. The clutch disc has friction material where it contacts the flywheel and the pressure plate. Torsion springs on the clutch disc help absorb the engine torque pulses. The pressure plate applies pressure to the clutch disc, holding it tightly against the surface of the flywheel.

In the engaged position, the diaphragm spring holds the pressure plate against the clutch disc, so that engine torque is transmitted to the input shaft. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch release hub and bearing pushes the diaphragm spring center toward the flywheel. The diaphragm spring pivots at the fulcrum, relieving the load on the pressure plate. Steel spring straps riveted to the pressure plate cover pull the pressure plate from the clutch disc, disengaging the engine torque from the transaxle and enabling the gears to be changed.