Difference between revisions of "Clutch"
Grrrmachine (talk | contribs) (New page: Alongside the gearbox, the Clutch is one of the most misunderstood mechanical components of the car. But it doesn't need to be __TOC__ =Overview= The clutch m...) |
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| − | Alongside the [[Drivetrain | + | Alongside the [[Drivetrain#Gearbox|gearbox]], the [[Clutch]] is one of the most misunderstood mechanical components of the car. But it doesn't need to be |
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Revision as of 21:58, 9 December 2011
Alongside the gearbox, the Clutch is one of the most misunderstood mechanical components of the car. But it doesn't need to be
Contents
Overview
The clutch mechanism is made up of three key parts; the Clutch Disc, the Pressure Plate and the Release Bearing. These parts bolt together into a unit that sits between the flywheel of the engine and the gearbox, and determine when the power is sent from one to the other, and how much.
The Pressure Plate's job is to pull the Clutch Disc onto the flywheel with a large amount of spring force. The Clutch Disc bites onto the surface of the flywheel, just like a brake pad rubs against the brake disc, using surface friction.
When you press the clutch pedal, you actually compress a hydraulic syringe called the Master Cylinder. This pumps fluid to push a rod out of the Slave Cylinder, which will pull the Clutch Disc away from the flywheel, thus disengaging the drive. When you release your foot, the springs of the Pressure Plate pull Clutch Disc back onto the flywheel, subsequently bringing power back into the gearbox and through to the wheels.
It is this combination of surface friction, spring force and hydraulic pressure that makes the clutch so complicated. Understanding each part will help you get the most out of your clutch, and therefore your engine.
Components
Clutch Disc
The clutch disc
The output shaft of the gearbox is splined, and the clutch disc fits over these splines.
