Article Type: How It Works

Clutch System Basics and Operation

The parts of the clutch assembly are broken down and described along with their
function.

The clutch is an often forgotten about part of a manual transmission.  A clutch is the
mechanical device that transfers all power from the engine into the transmission of a
vehicle.  Without a properly operating clutch, power transfer and gear shifting would be
very difficult.  The clutch is located between the engine flywheel and the transmission. It
is often housed within the bellhousing to protect it from external contaminants.  Much
older vehicles had more of a fully open design. The first section of this system starts at
the flywheel.  Connected to the flywheel is the pressure plate, with the clutch-friction
disc between the two items.  On the out side of the pressure plate will be the clutch
control unit, or the throwout bearing.  The throw out bearing is moved by the use of a
clutch fork.  The clutch fork is operated by a slave cylinder, and the slave cylinder is
control by the master cylinder ultimately controlled by the clutch pedal.  The default
state of a clutch is engaged.
 Pressure Plate:  The pressure plate assembly is secured to
the fl ywheel via bolts connecting the cover stamping to the
fl ywheel. During engagement, the pressure plate assembly
clamps the disc assembly against the fl ywheel, transmitting
engine power to the transmission. During disengagement,
power fl ow is interrupted when the pressure plate no longer
clamps the disc against the fl ywheel. Instead, the pressure
plate lifts away from the fl ywheel, creating a gap large enough
for the disc to disengage from the fl ywheel, enabling the driver
to shift gears.

Clutch Disc: The disc assembly is mounted to the input

shaft, between the pressure plate assembly and the
fl ywheel. During engagement, the disc slides forward on the
input shaft and becomes solidly clamped, or “engaged”,
between the fl ywheel and the pressure plate assembly.
During disengagement, the disc is no longer engaged.
Although the pressure plate assembly and fl ywheel continue
rotating, the input shaft and disc are no longer being rotated
by the engine.

Pilot Bushings: Pilot bearings and bushings serve as a guide

and seat for the transmission input shaft during engagement and
disengagement when the fl ywheel and pressure plate assembly
turn at speeds different than the input shaft and disc assembly,
the pilot bearing rotates.

Throw-out Bearing:  Release bearings are designed to pivot

forward and compress the pressure plate levers, which
disengages the clutch system. Although release bearings are all
designed for the same basic function, they come in many shapes
and sizes because they must work in conjunction with a variety
of actuation systems.