General Information

All models with a manual transmission use a single-plate dry clutch with a diaphragm spring and hydraulic actuation. The assembly consists of the clutch disc (driven disc), the steel clutch cover bolted to the flywheel, and the release mechanism. The clutch cover contains the pressure plate (drive plate) with the diaphragm spring.

The clutch disc can move freely along the splines of the transmission input shaft and is limited in axial movement on one side by the flywheel rear surface and on the other side by the pressure plate. In the engaged position, the clutch disc is clamped between these surfaces by the diaphragm spring. Friction linings are riveted to the clutch disc core. The disc is connected to the hub through damper springs, which absorb transmission shocks and provide smooth clutch engagement.

The diaphragm spring is mounted on the pivot pins and transmits force to the pressure plate through the support ring.

The release bearing is installed on the transmission input shaft and can move freely along it under the action of the clutch release fork.

The release mechanism is actuated by the clutch pedal through the hydraulic system. The pedal acts on the master cylinder piston, which pushes fluid under pressure into the slave cylinder. The slave cylinder pushrod acts on the clutch release fork.

When the clutch pedal is depressed, the release fork moves the release bearing forward, and the bearing presses on the central part of the diaphragm spring. The spring pivots on the support ring and pulls the pressure plate back with its outer part, so the clutch disc is released and does not transmit engine torque to the transmission.

When the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring pivots on the support ring in the opposite direction and presses on the pressure plate with its outer part. The pressure plate moves forward and clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel. Engine torque is now transmitted to the transmission input shaft.

The clutch is self-adjusting. As the friction linings of the clutch disc wear, the pressure plate moves closer to the flywheel, thereby compensating for the wear.