Fig. 6.1. Clutch and release mechanism components
1. Friction disc; 2. Pressure disc; 3. Pressure plate mounting bolt; 4. Washer; 5. Release bearing; 6. Clutch release fork pin; 7. Clutch release fork; 8. Clutch release fork bolt; 9. Clutch release fork lever bushing; 10. Clutch release fork lever; 11. Cable adjusting nut; 12. Limiter; 13. Rubber gasket; 14. Limiter; 15. Spring clamp; 16. Rubber protective cover; 17. Nest; 18. Rubber seal; 19. Washer; 20. Sealing washer; 21. Locking bracket; 22. Clutch cable.
The clutch consists of a friction disc, pressure plate assembly, release bearing, and release mechanism. All of these components are contained in a large aluminum alloy housing that is sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The release mechanism is cable-operated.
The friction disc is mounted between the engine flywheel and the clutch pressure plate and can slide on the grooves of the transmission input shaft. The disc is equipped with two circular friction linings attached to it with rivets (the linings form the working surface of the clutch), and a spring-loaded hub that softens the transmission of torque.
The pressure plate assembly is bolted to the flywheel. It includes the clutch housing cover, diaphragm spring, and the pressure plate itself. When the engine is running, drive is transmitted from the crankshaft through the flywheel and clutch housing cover to the friction plate (the last three components are securely pressed together by a pressure plate with a diaphragm spring), and from the friction disc to the transmission input shaft.
To interrupt the transmission of the drive, it is necessary to release the spring pressure. This is achieved by shifting the release bearing mounted on the input shaft of the transmission.
When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the release bearing presses on the ends of the diaphragm spring sectors in its center. This causes the outer part of the spring to move outward, and the clutch pressure plate moves away from the friction disc, disengaging the clutch.
Pressing the clutch pedal pulls a cable attached to it, which in turn rotates the clutch release fork - it is attached to the upper end of the fork lever, above the clutch housing. The fork itself is attached to the release bearing.
As the friction disc linings wear, the pressure plate moves toward the flywheel; this causes the diaphragm spring sectors to press on the release bearing, thus reducing the clearance that should be present in the mechanism. To ensure the correct functioning of the mechanism, it is necessary to periodically adjust the length of the clutch cable as described in Section 1.
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