Description And Operation: Clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The purpose of the clutch is to transfer power from the engine to the drivetrain. It connects and disconnects a manually operated transmission and the remainder of the drivetrain from the engine. This permits shifting and changing speeds, that correspond to the engine speed through gear reductions, for both forward and reverse gears. The clutch disc is a single plate, dry friction disc with a diaphragm-style spring pressure plate. The clutch consists of a splined clutch disc that is held in position by the input shaft and the clutch pressure plate and is bolted to the flywheel.

The clutch operating mechanism consists of the following:

Flywheel
Pilot bearing
Clutch disc
Clutch pressure plate
Release lever
Release bearing

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