All models are equipped with a single-disk dry clutch, which consists of five main parts: a driven disk, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, a housing and a release bearing.
The driven plate is free to slide along the splines on the input shaft of the transmission 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 disc 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 fixed on the fingers and held in the cover by annular support rings.
The release bearing is located on the guide sleeve on the front side of the gearbox. The bearing is free to slide on the bushing under the action of the clutch release lever, which pivots into the clutch housing.
The clutch release mechanism is actuated by the clutch pedal and is hydraulically actuated. The pedal acts on the pusher of the main hydraulic cylinder, and the slave cylinder mounted on the clutch housing, using the pusher, actuates the clutch release lever.
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, while the central part of the spring is pressed in, the outer part of the spring moves back, which allows the pressure plate to move away from the driven plate.
When the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring brings 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 disc is clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel. Thus, rotation is transmitted from the crankshaft.
The clutch is self-adjusting. Over time, as the driven plate wears, the pressure plate automatically moves closer to the driven plate to compensate for the wear.