Pressure Plate: Description and Operation

Clutch Assembly - Exploded View:

The pressure plate assembly consists of a diaphragm-spring type pressure plate, a release plate, and a retaining ring to hold them together. The friction clutch disc is splined to accept the mainshaft of the transmission and has integral cushion springs and dampening springs.

The cushion springs, which are between the friction surfaces of the disc, help to reduce the shock when the clutch is engaged.

The dampening springs, which are visible in the center hub, help to absorb the rotating power pulses of the engine.

Unlike most other cars, the clutch's pressure plate assembly is bolted to the crankshaft with the flywheel bolted to the periphery of the pressure plate assembly.





Clutch pressure plate versions
Up to December 1992:
- Two recesses mate with flywheel alignment dowel pins to center flywheel
From December 1992:
- One recess (arrow 1) mates with one flywheel alignment dowel pin
- Circular shoulders (arrows 2) center flywheel

CAUTION: The later style clutch pressure plate can only be installed together with the later style flywheel.





Flywheel versions
Up to December 1992:
- Two alignment dowel pins; pin diameter = 6 mm (0.24 in.)
From December 1992:
- Flywheel mass increased
- One alignment dowel pin (arrow); pin diameter = 7mm (0.028 in.)