THE CLUTCH SYSTEM

This is the device which is mounted on the engine flywheel

positioned in front of the gear box.

COMPONENTS: Flywheel, pressure plate and clutch plate.

The operation is by the pedal through suitable linkages.

FUNCTIONS
• Disengage the drive from the engine to the gear box.
• To permit smooth and gradual re-engagement.
• Transmit maximum engine torque.
 TYPES OF CLUTCH SYSTEM

COIL SPRING TYPE OF CLUTCH

This has a friction disc, fly wheel, and pressure plate. The
pressure plate rotates with the flywheel. It has a series of
coiled springs. The operation includes the clutch pedal,
folk, thrust bearing and release levers.

DIAPHRAGM SPRING TYPE OF CLUTCH

This incorporates a diaphragm spring which provides the
spring pressure required to hold a clutch disc against the
flywheel.
 CLUTCH PLATE OR FRICTION DISC
When clutch is engaged clutch disc revolves with flywheel and
pressure plate. Power is transmitted through clutch disc to the
input shaft.
TYPES OF CLUTCH PLATE
• Rigid clutch plate with no spring action.
• Resilient clutch plate commonly used for smooth
engagement.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH OPERATION
Hydraulic control system is simplified, it has a clutch master
cylinder, folk, adjustable rod and hydraulic pipes.
MECHANICAL CLUTCH OPERATION
The clutch pedal linkage will have levers, cable, rods and folk.
 CLUTCH FAULTS, CAUSES AND REMEDIES
Four main clutch faults:
• SLIP – No power is transmitted to the wheels.
CAUSES:
- Friction faces with oil or grease
- Scored flywheel face or pressure plate
- Broken or weak thrust springs
- Insufficient free movement of clutch pedal

• JUDDER – Vibration as clutch is engaged.

CAUSES:
- Loose friction disc
- Loose flywheel
- Defective release mechanism
• DRAG – Difficult in engaging or changing gears.
CAUSES:
- Excessive free pedal movement
- Oil or grease
- Clutch disc hub binding on clutch shaft splines
- Thrust bearing defective
- Spigot shaft seized

• GRAB – Failure to release promptly and fully thus making

gears hard to shift.
CAUSES:
- Oil or grease on the disc
- Incorrect pedal adjustment
- Broken disc facing
- Splined disc not good