1.14 Knowing the Starts of a Vehicle: Clutch System
The clutch is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, being the component that connects the engine to the transmission system. It is what allows the engine to be switched on or off from the transmission, allowing the car to stop without the engine stopping, and for gear changes to occur without damaging the engine or transmission.
Clutch System Components
The clutch system is made up of several parts, including the clutch pedal, clutch cable or cylinder, clutch fork, clutch bearing, clutch disc, pressure plate, and flywheel .
Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal is the part of the system that the driver manipulates to control the clutch. When the pedal is depressed, it disengages the clutch, disconnecting the engine from the transmission. When the pedal is released, it engages the clutch, connecting the engine to the transmission.
Clutch Cable or Cylinder
The clutch cable or cylinder is the component that transmits the force from the clutch pedal to the clutch fork. On some vehicles this component is a cable, while on others it is a hydraulic cylinder.
Clutch Fork
The clutch fork is the part of the system that moves the clutch bearing in and out by pressing or releasing the pressure plate.
Clutch Bearing
The clutch bearing is the part of the system that depresses the pressure plate when the clutch pedal is depressed, disengaging the clutch.
Clutch Disc
The clutch disc is the part of the system that is pressed between the pressure plate and the flywheel. When the clutch is engaged, the clutch disc rotates with the engine. When the clutch is disengaged, the clutch disc stops turning.
Pressure Plate
The pressure plate is the part of the system that presses the clutch disc against the flywheel when the clutch is engaged. When the clutch is disengaged, the pressure plate is pulled back, allowing the clutch disc to stop rotating.
Flywheel
The flywheel is the part of the system that turns with the engine. It is connected to the clutch disc through the pressure plate.
Operation of the Clutch System
When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch cable or cylinder moves the clutch fork, which in turn moves the clutch bearing. The clutch bearing presses against the pressure plate, which pulls away from the clutch disc. This causes the clutch disc to stop turning, disengaging the clutch and disconnecting the engine from the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch cable or cylinder moves the clutch fork in the opposite direction, which in turn moves the clutch bearing rearward. This allows the pressure plate to press the clutch disc against the flywheel. The clutch disc then begins to rotate with the engine, engaging the clutch and connecting the engine to the transmission.
This is just a basic summary of the clutch system and how it works. To fully understand this system and be able to carry out maintenance and repairs on it, further study and hands-on practice are required. However, this guide should provide a good foundation to start understanding a vehicle's clutch system.
