Submitted by: Andy Pyfer @ South Bend Clutch
Visit South Bend Clutch at: www.dxdclutches.comSouth Bend Clutch AudiGeeks.com Support Forum: http://www.audigeeks.com/forums/index.php?board=36.0The clutch for many years has been refered to as the mystery part of the car. I think it has much to do with the fact that it is hidden from view and at the same time serves as a vital function of opertion.
In fact the opperation of the clutch is very simple. There are three main components to the clutch system: Pressure plate (photo 1), Friction disc (photo 2) and Release bearing (photo 3). When the operator pushes on the clutch pedal, there is only one purpose and that is to stop or slow down the transmission gears to make shifting into the next gear occure without a grinding noise.
Pushing on the clutch pedal forces fluid down a line into the slave cylinder which is nothing more than hydraulic piston. The piston extends about one inch into the release fork. (see photo 3).
Photo 3
The release fork has a bearing on the end of it called the release bearing. The release fork's function is to force the bearing out ,away form the transmission (hence the name throw out bearing) in to the diaphram spring, forcing them inward.
Once the diaphram spring is pushed in 1/2", the "casting" of the pressure plate is lifted just like a see-saw on the play ground. Push one side down, the other side must come up. The downward pressure of the pressure plate is now lifted off the friction disc. (photo 1)
Photo 1
The Friction disc (photo 2) which is connected by splines to the tranmission is now free form the pressure plate will start to slow down it's rotation therfore slowing down the gears of the transmission.
Photo 2
Our goal has been accomplished, it's time to shift. Let up on the clutch pedal and the pressure plate clamps back down on the friction disc which in turn forces the gears of the transmission back into motion.
When choosing a clutch, you must keep in mind that a AWD has more demand on the clutch than the FWD because four tires are turning instead of two. The HD clutch kit torque limit for the AWD is 300 ft lbs and 335 ft lbs for the FWD. If the engine torque is higher, I recommend using the SS clutch kit which is built to handle 450 ft lbs for the FWD and 415 for the AWD.
