Repair and Diagnosis: Transmission: Clutches: Description
The clutch consists of 3 operating elements: a friction disc, pressure plate and the necessary release components. The clutch, or friction disc is splined to the transmission input shaft and is the actual mechanical connection between the engine and transmission. The pressure plate assembly is bolted to the flywheel and consists of a cast-iron plate, diaphragm spring and cover.
The release components begin at the clutch pedal and extend through a plastic coated cable to the release lever and bearing. Except for the release cable and pedal, the clutch elements are enclosed in the flywheel housing which is bolted between the engine and transmission. The release lever extends from the release cable through the left side of the flywheel housing to a pivot ball threaded into the rear of the housing.
Between the cable and pivot, the lever engages the throw-out bearing which is installed on the transmission front bearing retainer. The retainer is extended outward to form a hub, which serves as the sliding surface for the release bearing. From the repeated clutch apply and release cycles, the friction material on the disc will wear. To compensate for this wear, the clutch pedal is equipped with a self-adjuster which automatically adjusts cable length to maintain correct pedal height and throw-out bearing preload.