Clutch Hydraulic Release System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The hydraulic clutch operating mechanism is used on all manual transaxle models and is completely self-adjusting. The mechanism consists of a master cylinder (2), hydraulic line assembly (3) and an actuator cylinder (4), which contains an integral clutch release bearing. The fluid for the clutch hydraulic system is provided by the brake master cylinder (1). The clutch master cylinder (2) is mounted to the front of the dash, and is operated directly off the clutch pedal by a pushrod. The slave cylinder (4) is mounted inside the clutch housing of the transaxle, and cannot be disassembled.

As the clutch pedal is applied, hydraulic fluid under pressure from the master cylinder flows into the actuator cylinder and moves the actuator cylinder piston forcing the release bearing against the pressure plate assembly. A spring is mounted between the actuator cylinder housing and the release bearing, which ensures that the release bearing is always held against the pressure plate. Which reduces play in the clutch pedal.