Clutch: Description and Operation
CLUTCHDESCRIPTION
MECHANICAL
PL vehicles with a 2.0/2.4L engine use a modular clutch assembly (Fig. 1). The clutch is located between the engine and manual transaxle in the transaxle bellhousing. The 2.0/2.4L clutch system consists of the following components:
- Flywheel
- Clutch Disc
- Pressure Plate
- Diaphragm Spring
- Cover
HYDRAULIC
The clutch hydraulic system is a self-contained system that consists of a clutch master/slave cylinder assembly and a fluid reservoir (Fig. 2).
FLUID
CAUTION: Never use any type of petroleum-based fluid (engine oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid, etc.) in the clutch hydraulic system. Use of such fluids will result in master/slave cylinder seal damage, and cause a failure of the hydraulic clutch release system.
NOTE: The clutch hydraulic system and replacement components are pre-filled, and under normal operating conditions, additional fluid is not required for the life of the vehicle.
The fluid required for use in the clutch hydraulic system is brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 specifications and J1703 standards. No other type of fluid is recommended or approved for use in the clutch hydraulic system. use only Mopar brake fluid or equivalent from a tightly sealed container.
OPERATION
MECHANICAL
The clutch assembly is designed to transmit power from the engine to the manual transaxle. This is accomplished by the friction and clamping force generated when the spring loaded pressure plate locks the clutch disc to the flywheel (Fig. 3). The clutch disc, which is splined to the transaxle input shaft, transmits power until the center of the diaphragm spring is depressed, and the clamp force is removed from the disc.
HYDRAULIC
The clutch hydraulic system is responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch. Depressing the clutch pedal develops fluid pressure in the clutch master cylinder. This pressure is transmitted to the slave cylinder through a connecting line. In turn, the slave cylinder operates the clutch release lever (Fig. 2).
The slave cylinder spring causes the release lever to hold the release bearing in constant contact with the diaphragm spring (release bearing preload). During a clutch pedal actuation, the hydraulic fluid pressure applies additional force to the release lever. As additional force is applied, the bearing presses the diaphragm spring fingers inward on the fulcrums. This action moves the pressure plate rearward, relieving clamp force on the disc.