Contents: Clutch operation ↡ Clutch failure ↡
Each time the clutch is activated, the friction that occurs causes some wear on the friction linings of the clutch disc. The driven clutch disc is therefore a wear part, but its average service life is over 100,000 km. The wear life of the driven disc mainly depends on the degree of load (for example, when transporting a trailer) and the nature of the movement. Clutch maintenance is not required, as it is self-regulating.
Clutch operation
Clutch clearance. When the clutch pedal is not pressed, the clearance in the clutch system allows the clutch release bearing to be relieved of constant load. This clearance becomes smaller as the friction linings wear (the pedal play, on the contrary, becomes greater).
Clutch release. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the pressure in the master cylinder of the hydraulic drive increases. It is transmitted to the slave cylinder located on the gearbox, while the slave cylinder rod extends and sets the clutch release bearing in motion through the release lever. The bearing moves in the direction of the pressure plate, presses on the ends of the diaphragm spring petals, and the working surface of the pressure plate moves away from the driven disk. The driven disk rotates freely between the flywheel and the working surface of the pressure plate.
Engaging the clutch. When the clutch pedal is released, the petals of the diaphragm spring straighten out and the pressure plate presses the driven disk tightly against the flywheel.
Clutch failure
Starting a car at high engine speeds (slip start) or in 2nd gear it wears out the clutch friction linings a lot.
If you leave your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, it slowly and constantly wears out. Even the best clutch disc linings will not last long. The habit of holding the car on an incline with the accelerator and clutch pedals also has a negative effect on the durability of the clutch.
[Original published on the website: www.mercedesman.ru]
If you always engage 1st gear and keep the clutch pedal depressed when the car is stopped at a red light, this also leads to clutch wear. In this case, a strong load is placed on the clutch release bearing and the ends of the diaphragm spring petals. Therefore, release the clutch pedal while the red light is on and engage 1st gear when the light is yellow.