Clutch: Description and Operation

Description and operation
The transaxle input shaft is linked to the engine through a mechanical clutch consisting of a Belleville spring-type pressure plate, and a 7.87 inch (200 mm) friction disc for AS and AS engines. After it has passed through the clutch disc splines, the input shaft is supported in the flywheel on a small, fully sealed ball bearing.
The holding force which is exerted by the pressure plate against the clutch disc is released by a pedal-operated cable linked to a release lever, release fork, and release bearing.
The clutch pedal is suspended, with the brake pedal, from a support bracket welded to the body. Both pedals hang from the support bracket on a common pivot bolt secured in position by a nut and two washers.
From the top of the clutch pedal, the cable extends to a release lever at the transaxle. The clutch system operates as follows:
- When the clutch pedal is pressed, the cable and release lever rotate a shaft that enters the transaxle clutch housing and connects to the clutch release fork.
- As the shaft rotates, the fork slides the release bearing along the transaxle bearing support until it contacts and releases the pressure plate.
- When the pedal is released, springs attached to the support bracket and release lever return the clutch release components to the normal applied position.





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Clutch pedal free play is adjusted where the cable passes through the release lever. A nut on the threaded end of the cable is used to reposition the pin that engages the release lever. Repositioning the pin adjusts pedal free play by lengthening or shortening the cable.