Manual Transaxle and Clutch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The transaxle and clutch system consists of the following:

Five-speed manual transaxle
Clutch disc
Clutch pressure plate
Clutch release hub and bearing
Clutch hydraulic system
Clutch pedal
Flywheel

The function of the transaxle is to move the vehicle from a rest position to motion. The transaxle uses gears to adapt the engine speed and torque to the demands of load and road conditions. It matches engine power to vehicle needs. This power is delivered from the engine flywheel to the transaxle. The power is transmitted through a driver-operated clutch, which allows for engagement and disengagement of the engine to the transaxle.

The transaxle input shaft receives the power when the clutch is engaged. The transaxle then uses a system of gears to change the speed and torque relationship between the engine crankshaft and the transaxle differential.

The purpose of the clutch is to connect and disconnect a manually operated transaxle from the engine. This allows starting and stopping the vehicle, shifting and changing speeds that correspond to the engine speed through gear changes.

The transaxle has a tag to identify assemblies for repair purposes. Refer to MANUAL TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION for the transaxle tag information.