Clutch: 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 A3 and A5 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.