As one of the leading clutch pressure plate suppliers, Raybestos Powertrain loves talking about all things automobiles! That is why we put together this little explanation of how a clutch works. We love to educate the world on the wonders of the cars we love!
If you drive a car with a manual transmission, then you are familiar with the word clutch. However, you might simply use the word to mean that third pedal hanging out there on the left. Yet, there is a lot more to the clutch than just an extra pedal!
In a basic single disc clutch, there are two moving parts: the engine crankshaft and the input shaft from the transmission. Basically, the engine does the driving, the transmission gets driven.
As you know, the engine rotates at different speeds depending on the speed of the car. In a manual transmission vehicle, the driver is responsible for changing gears, using the clutch.
Let’s Look Closer!
The clutch as a whole consists of many different parts, some of them quite tiny. However, there are 5 components that make up the bulk of it:
- The Flywheel: the clutch’s flywheel id directly connected to the engine’s crankshaft. It spins as the engine spins.
- Pressure Plate: The pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel. It is spring-loaded and is responsible for holding the clutch together and releasing tension allowing the entire assembly to rotate.
- The Disc: In between the pressure plate and the flywheel is the clutch’s disc. It has a friction surface on either side of the disc which similar to a brake pad. This surface allows for smoothly engaging or disengaging with the flywheel and pressure plate.
- Throw-Out Bearing: This part of the clutch works closely with the release system. The throw-out bearing will either pull or push on the diaphragm spring on the pressure plate depending on whether you are engaging or disengaging the clutch.
- Release System: The release is located on the end of the hydraulic. It rides on the clutch’s diaphragm spring.
Pressing the Pedal
Before you press the pedal and disengage the clutch, the entire system will spin as a single unit. Once the pedal is pushed, the shaft and the clutch will begin to spin independently.
Looking for Clutch Pressure Plate Suppliers?
Now that you have read our little clutch lesson for the day, you may be ready to get back to your car part shopping! If you are looking for clutch pressure plate suppliers, you have come to the right place! Raybestos Powertrain has all the parts you need to get your vehicle in tip-top shape. Peruse our inventory, or use the contact form and ask us a question! We are here for you.
