Description And Operation: Clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The clutch system includes the following components:

Flywheel
Clutch disc
Clutch pressure plate
Clutch release fork
Clutch release bearing
Clutch slave cylinder

The clutch is a single-plate, dry-friction disc with a diaphragm-style spring clutch pressure plate. The clutch disc has a hub which is splined to the transmission input shaft. The clutch disc has friction material where it contacts the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate. The clutch pressure plate applies pressure to the clutch disc, holding it tightly against the surface of the flywheel. In the engaged position, the diaphragm spring holds the clutch pressure plate against the clutch disc, so that engine torque is transmitted to the input shaft.

When the clutch pedal is applied, the release bearing pushes the diaphragm spring center of the clutch pressure plate toward the flywheel. The diaphragm spring pivots at the fulcrum, relieving the load on the clutch pressure plate. The clutch slave cylinder assists in the effort it takes to relieve the load on the clutch pressure plate. Steel spring straps riveted to the clutch pressure plate cover pull the clutch pressure plate from the clutch disc, disengaging the engine torque from the transaxle.