Principles of Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Pickup, 2009 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2009 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2009 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the slave cylinder, through the release lever and 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 springs or straps riveted to the clutch pressure plate cover pull the clutch pressure plate from the clutch disc, disengaging the engine torque from the transmission.