Have you been researching different types of clutch friction plates for your vehicle? If so, you may already have an understanding of the way your clutch works. However, many of you may not. This article will look at how a clutch works and what parts are involved in causing it to do what it does. If you’ve ever wondered what is going on behind the scenes when you press your clutch, this article is for you.
What is a Clutch?
First, let’s go over what a clutch is. The clutch of your vehicle is a device that is responsible for disengaging and engaging both the transmission and engine of your vehicle when you want it to. There are tons of small parts in a clutch, but the major ones include the clutch friction plate, flywheel, pressure plate, and spring and release levers. We’ll talk a little bit more of each below:
- Friction plates – One or more discs covered in a material that provides friction which is mounted on the transmission input shaft.
- Flywheel – Is mounted on the crankshaft and rotates at the same speed as the engine.
- Pressure plate – This is mounted on the flywheel and has a friction plate mounted between it and the flywheel.
- Spring and release levers – The spring moves the pressure plate back and forth and is retracted with assistance from the lever.
Putting It All Together
When the clutch is pressed, the friction disc moves back on the shaft which places it in a disengaged condition. At this point, the vehicle won’t move, but the engine is still running. On the other hand, when the clutch is released, the disk moves forward on the shaft to put it in an engaged position. This allows the vehicle to move forward.
The reason a clutch is needed is that it lets your car engine run when your car isn’t moving. The clutch also allows you to change gears. If you were to change gears without disengaging the clutch, this could cause failure to your gears or even the transmission system itself. These reasons combined are why a clutch is crucial to your vehicle.
At Raybestos Powertrain LLC, we offer many high-quality transmission parts, both OEM and aftermarket.
