What is a clutch in a car and how does a clutch work?

What is a clutch in a car?

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious component in your car that allows you to shift gears seamlessly? Enter the clutch – an essential part of any manual transmission vehicle. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of What is a clutch in a car, how does a clutch work ? and demystifies its role in making your car move smoothly.

• What you learn here.
• ▶What is a clutch in a car?
• ▶How does a clutch work?
• ▶What kind of parts does the clutch consist of?
• ▶ How long does a clutch last?
• ▶What does the clutch do in a car?

The role of clutch

The clutch is a device installed between the engine and the transmission. It is responsible for transmitting and interrupt (shutting off) the power from the engine to the transmission.

What does the clutch do in a car?

Depending on the movement of the car, the following conditions are required for the clutch.

① When starting – By gradually transmit the power of the engine to the transmission (gear box); a clutch makes the start smoothly.

② When gear shift and stop – When a clutch shuts off power completely from the engine, gear shift can be performed smoothly. Also, when a car stops, a clutch keeps the engine running even if gears are engaged.

③ When driving – A clutch transmits the power of the engine to the transmission securely.

How does a clutch work

Now, let’s uncover the magic behind how a clutch operates. When you press the clutch pedal, it disengages the clutch, allowing you to shift gears without grinding. Releasing the pedal re-engages the clutch, seamlessly transferring power from the engine to the transmission.

The clutch presses and releases the clutch disc against the flywheel, and it transmits and shuts off the power from the engine.

 The clutch consists of the following main parts.

Understanding the Clutch Mechanism

 ① When transmitting power -due to the force of the diaphragm spring, the pressure plate strongly presses the clutch disc against the flywheel.

② When power shut off – The central part of the diaphragm spring is pushed, the outer peripheral surface of the diaphragm spring lifts, and a gap is created between the pressure plate and the clutch disc.

Clutch disc – The clutch disc receives the power of the engine directly from the flywheel. It consists of facing, plate, and clutch hub. Facing is a friction material, and it is riveted on the plate. The clutch hub is at the center of the clutch disc, and the input shaft of the transmission is inserted to the clutch hub and rotates together.

Although the clutch hub is between two plates, it is not directly connected to the plates. A damper spring or torsion rubber is provided between the two plates and clutch hubs, making it possible to move in the direction of rotation to some extent. This damper spring and torsion rubber have elasticity and soften the rotational shock when connecting power.

Also, the facings are on both sides of the plates and are riveted to the plates by sandwiching a curved cushion plate.  When the clutch is abruptly (suddenly) connected, the cushion plate deflects and absorbs the impact of the connection and transmits the power of the engine to transmission smoothly.

The power of the engine is transmitted from the flywheel to the facing part of the clutch disc and the two plates that are integrated. Also, the clutch hub is between the two plates, and when the plate pushes the torsion rubber, the clutch hub is pushed and rotated. The power of the engine is then transmitted to the input shaft of the transmission.

How does the clutch pedal stepping force transmit to the clutch cover?

① The force with which the clutch pedal is depressed is transmitted to the clutch master cylinder.

② The force transmitted to the clutch master cylinder is converted to hydraulic pressure and transmitted to the clutch release cylinder.

③ The force transmitted to the clutch release cylinder moves the release fork. WhenAs the release fork moves, the release bearing moves and pushes the center of the diaphragm spring.

Maintenance of clutch

 ①Height of clutch pedal

The height of the clutch pedal is the height (distance) from the pedal surface to the floor when the clutch pedal is not preceding the clutch pedal. If the clutch pedal is too high, it will be difficult to step on., If it is too low, the foot margin becomes shorter and the clutch will not be able to shut off fully. Therefore, we must it is necessary to be adjusted to the reference value of the repair manual.

② Free play of clutch pedal

If there is not a certain amount of clearance (free play) between the clutch pedal and the master cylinder, hydraulic pressure may be generated in the master cylinder even if the pedal is not stepped on, resulting in a half clutch state.  In the state of half clutch because since the clutch is slipping, if you run in the state as it is, the clutch disk may generate heat and burn it. To prevent this, the clutch pedal needs some free play.  is provided for the clutch pedal.

Clutch Replacement: When and How – Understanding when to replace a clutch is crucial. We’ll guide you through the indications that it’s time for a new clutch and what the replacement process entails.

Maintenance Costs and Budgeting Tips – Clutch maintenance comes with a price, but budgeting for it doesn’t have to be a headache. We’ll break down potential costs and offer tips on how to manage your budget without compromising your car’s performance.

Tips for Driving a Manual Transmission – Mastering the art of driving a manual transmission involves more than just pressing the clutch pedal. From smooth gear transitions to avoiding common mistakes, we’ll provide tips to enhance your driving experience.

The Role of Clutch in Performance Cars – For those who crave speed and performance, the clutch plays a pivotal role. Discover how a high-performance clutch can make a difference in sports cars and what factors to consider when upgrading.

Environmental Impact of Clutch Usage – Believe it or not, your driving habits and clutch usage can impact the environment. We’ll explore how efficient clutch operation contributes to fuel economy and eco-friendly driving practices.