How Does a Transmission Clutch Work?

Introduction

A transmission clutch is one of the most crucial parts of your car, since it is required for the car to move. Even though the transmission clutch is more commonly associated with manual transmission vehicles, both automatic transmission and manual transmission vehicles have a transmission clutch. Also, cars have multiple clutches, but the transmission clutch is the most important when operating the vehicle.

Transmission Clutch Components

There are several basic pieces of a clutch, including a flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disk. Clutches also consist of two rotating shafts. One shaft of the clutch is driven by a power source, most commonly a motor. The second shaft of the clutch drives the device itself. In your car, your engine is running all the time. With your clutch, you are able to disengage you wheels to stop your car while you engine remains running. A clutch only works because of the force of friction. The friction in your clutch occurs between the clutch plate and flywheel. When you are not putting pressure on your brake, enough power is given to the transmission to allow your wheels to turn freely. This allows your vehicle to get power from your engine to your transmission and helps you car move its wheels.

Flywheel

The flywheel is another important part of the clutch. It helps you accelerate, and slow down. Idling is also controlled by the flywheel. Heavier flywheels are often found in most manual transmission cars. This is because the heavier that your fly wheel is, the easier it is to slow down and idle. However, if you are driving a performance car you will likely have a light weight flywheel. A lighter weight flywheel allows you to have greater acceleration and overall speed with your car.

Pressure Plate

Like a flywheel, there are several different types of clutch pressure plates. All cars that you would normally drive on the open road have stock clutch pressure plates. These take normal wear and tear, but if you are planning to race your vehicle you are going to need a street or race clutch pressure plates. Street or race clutch pressure plates give a lower chance of slippage which means your transmission will be able to drive more power through to the tires faster.

Clutch Disk

Your clutch disk will determine the pressure feel of your pedals. When you press down on your break or gas pedal you will usually feel some degree of push. A clutch disk with a spring in the center will reduce wear and tear on your transmission and clutch. These clutch disks are great for people who are just beginning to drive a manual transmission car or who often stall their clutch.

Conclusion

A manual transmission car requires several different parts in order for it to function properly. A transmission clutch needs a flywheel, clutch pressure plates, and a clutch disc as well as several other minor parts. While the stock parts that come with many vehicles will work great on a transmission clutch, a driver should avoid excessive hard shifting in order to avoid expensive repairs.