The driven disk can slide freely along the splines on the primary shaft of the gearbox and is held between the flywheel and the pressure plate by the pressure exerted on the pressure plate by the diaphragm spring. The friction linings are riveted on both sides of the driven disk and the spring between the friction linings protects the gearbox from dynamic loads and ensures smooth transmission of torque when the clutch is engaged. The diaphragm spring is secured to the pins and is held in the cover by annular support rings.
The release bearing is located on a guide sleeve on the front side of the gearbox. The bearing is free to slide on the sleeve under the action of the clutch release lever, which is rotated inward into the clutch housing.
The clutch release mechanism is actuated by the clutch pedal and has a hydraulic drive. The pedal acts on the pusher of the main hydraulic cylinder, and the slave cylinder, mounted on the clutch housing, actuates the clutch release lever with the help of the pusher.
When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch release lever pushes the release bearing forward into contact with the center of the diaphragm spring, thus pushing the center of the diaphragm spring inward. The diaphragm spring rests against the support rings in the cover and, as the center of the spring is pressed in, the outer part of the spring is pulled back, allowing the pressure plate to move away from the driven plate.
When the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring forces the pressure plate into contact with the friction linings on the driven plate and simultaneously pushes the driven plate forward along the splines, pressing it against the flywheel. The driven plate is clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel. This transmits rotation from the crankshaft.
The clutch is self-adjusting. Over time, as the driven disk wears, the pressure plate automatically moves closer to the driven disk, which compensates for wear.