Rigid Clutch Vs. Spring Clutch on a VW
Volkswagens produced after 1973 have diaphragm, or rigid, clutches while earlier models have coil spring clutches. In general, rigid clutches last longer and function more reliably due to their fewer moving parts, but there are a number of advantages and disadvantages of both that should be considered.
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Spring Clutch
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A spring clutch has a few springs (usually three) on the pressure plate that hold the transmission against the flywheel. When you press the clutch pedal down, it activates release levers, which move the pressure plate backward, thus disengaging the engine and allowing you to shift gears.
Rigid Clutch
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A rigid (diaphragm) clutch has a single plate on the pressure plate. While it is rigid in relation to springs, it is not actually rigid. Indeed, its function is based on the fact that when pressure is applied to it, it changes shape. When you press the clutch pedal down, pressure is exerted on fingers in the middle of the plate, which causes the plate to bend. The force from this bending moves the pressure plate, which releases it from the flywheel and lets you change gears.
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Pros and Cons
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Spring clutches exert more force on the pressure plate. You can change gears easier at higher speeds due to the the fact that more force exerted, meaning it will take less force to release, as there is energy stored in the springs' tensile strength. Rigid clutches, on the other hand, need less maintenance, require less pressure all around, and generally have longer working lives due to the fact that they have fewer moving parts.
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