What Is a Clutch Brake on a Manual Heavy Duty Truck Transmission?
Found on a heavy-duty truck transmission mounted between the release bearing and the transmission, the clutch brake moves along the transmission input shaft to slow its rotation or stop it from turning. Two inner tabs on the disc-shaped clutch brake align with the machined slots on the transmission's input shaft. The clutch brake allows the driver to shift from neutral to first or reverse without grinding gears. Activating the clutch brake helps prevent damage to transmission parts.
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How It Works
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Fully depressing the clutch pedal automatically activates the clutch brake and forces it against the input shaft, slowing or stopping the motion of the input shaft entirely. This allows transmission gears to synchronize and mesh smoothly without clashing when shifting into gear from a stop.
When to Use the Clutch Brake
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The driver only fully depresses the clutch pedal to activate the clutch brake when the truck is stationary, which allows him to shift into first gear or reverse more easily. When the truck is in motion, the driver need only depress the clutch pedal about 70 percent, which is enough to shift gears. If the clutch brake contacts the input shaft to slow its rotation while the truck is moving, damage to the clutch brake tabs, input shaft, transmission and gear parts can result.
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Types
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Clutch brakes are available in multiple configurations and thicknesses for different applications. Heavier duty trucks may require torque-limiting clutch brakes that handle greater force. According to AMSAutomotive.com, a two-piece hinged clutch brake can be installed without removing the transmission.
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