Clutch — general information

The clutch in the car performs 2 tasks: when the gear is switched on, it opens the power circuit between the engine and the gearbox, and when starting off, it ensures a smooth closing of the power circuit due to friction.

The clutch consists of a pressure plate, a clutch disc and a clutch release bearing.

The pressure plate is rigidly connected to the flywheel, which is flanged to the engine crankshaft. Between the pressure plate and the flywheel is the clutch disc, which is pressed against the flywheel by the pressure plate. The driven disk is centered on the splines of the transmission input shaft.

When you press the clutch pedal (disengaging the clutch) thanks to the hydraulic drive and the clutch release lever, the clutch release bearing is pressed against the diaphragm spring of the pressure plate and slightly moves it away from the flywheel. Due to this, the clutch disc moves away from the flywheel, and the power engagement between the engine and gearbox is broken.

All car models have a hydraulic clutch drive. The hydraulic system uses brake fluid from a common brake fluid reservoir.

Each time the clutch is engaged and disengaged, a slight wear of the friction linings of the driven disk occurs. Thus, the driven disk is a wear part: nevertheless, its average life exceeds 100,000 kilometers. Wear depends mainly on the load (e.g. driving a car with a trailer) and driving style. The clutch is maintenance free as it adjusts automatically.