CAUTION
The clutch driven disc may contain asbestos, which has been determined to be a cancer-causing agent. Never clean clutch surfaces with compressed air! Wear a particle mask and rubber gloves, and avoid inhaling dust from any clutch surface! When cleaning clutch surfaces, use a commercially available non-chlorinated brake cleaning fluid.
The purpose of the clutch is to disconnect and connect engine power at the transaxle. A vehicle at rest requires engine torque to get all that weight moving. An internal combustion engine develops torque through engine RPM. It must be allowed to operate without any load until it builds up enough torque to move the vehicle. The clutch allows the transfer of torque over an extended time by slippage of the clutch disc. As the clutch pedal is released more torque is transferred until the clutch is fully engaged. Transferring all of the torque immediately would cause driveline components to wear out or break prematurely. When the clutch pedal is pushed inward, the disc and plate separate (the clutch is disengaged) disconnecting the engine from the transaxle.
Most clutches utilize a single friction disc with a diaphragm-style pressure plate. The clutch disc has a splined-hub that attaches the disc to the input shaft. The disc has friction material where it contacts the flywheel and pressure plate. Springs on the disc help absorb engine torque pulses. The pressure plate applies pressure to the clutch disc, holding it tight against the surface of the flywheel. The clutch operating mechanism consists of a release bearing, throw-out fork, and cylinder assembly.
The release fork and actuating linkage transfer pedal motion to the release bearing. In the engaged position (pedal released) the diaphragm spring holds the pressure plate against the clutch disc, so engine torque is transmitted to the input shaft. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the release bearing pushes the diaphragm spring toward the flywheel. The diaphragm spring pivots the fulcrum, relieving the load on the pressure plate. Steel spring straps riveted to the clutch cover releases the pressure plate from the clutch disc, disengaging the engine torque from the transaxle and enabling the gears to be changed.
The clutch is operating properly if: