Description & Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The clutch is a single-plate, dry clutch disc. The clutch disc has a splined hub with integral torsional dampening springs which attaches the clutch disc to the input shaft. Engine output is coupled to the input shaft by friction existing between the clutch disc facings and the flywheel/pressure plate assembly. The extent of this friction is directly related to the composition of the facing material and the magnitude of the clamping force exerted by the pressure plate. These factors limit the amount of torque that can be transmitted without slippage.

The clamping force is obtained from the diaphragm spring contained within the pressure plate assembly. This clamping force is developed during the attachment of the pressure plate to the flywheel. The clutch system is disengaged when the clutch pedal is depressed and engaged when the clutch pedal is released. When the clutch pedal is depressed it pushes the clutch master cylinder plunger which hydraulically actuates the clutch slave cylinder which actuates the pressure plate diaphragm spring, releasing pressure on the clutch disc which eliminates the engagement between the transmission and the engine.