How Does an ATV Clutch Work?

Clutch Parts

To understand how an ATV clutch works, you first need to know the parts that make up the clutch unit. An ATV clutch has several sets of clutch plates, or friction discs stacked in pancake fashion with a series of pressure plates. The friction discs are set between the pressure plates. The clutch also has a series of springs to reduce shock, and pins that help to engage the clutch. Imagine a stack of discs, one on top of the other.

How the ATV Clutch Works

The stack of friction discs and pressure plates is set together inside a basket called the outer clutch basket. This has a series of notches in it. Each notch is about 1 inch wide. The friction plates have matching notches which slide into these gaps in the basket. There are about six friction plates and six pressure plates stacked in the clutch. The pressure plates, which are in between the friction plates, provide the force, and the friction plates provide the drive. This will happen when the clutch is engaged.

Engaging the Clutch

Once engaged, the pressure plates are pushed against the friction plates by a spring. This compresses the entire unit. The main pressure plate is connected to the drive system which is always spinning. So, when the pressure plate compresses against the friction plates, the friction plates start spinning. The notched plates turn the clutch basket, which is connected to the transmission. This turns the wheels and causes the bike to move.

Lubrication

An ATV clutch is usually a wet clutch, which means the whole system is soaked in oil. The oil works as a barrier between the friction plates and pressure plates to prevent a lot of wear, and it cools the unit down. The whole clutch would not work properly without oil, since the friction ratios are based on having oil in the system.

References

• Clutch Video

Resources

• ATV clutch parts