Principles of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the slave cylinder with an integral 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. 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 and enabling the gears to be changed.