Single-plate dry clutch design with diaphragm spring
1 - Flywheel; 2 - Clutch slave disc; 3 - Clutch basket with pressure plate; 4 - Mounting bolt (internal hexagon)
The clutch consists of a basket with a pressure plate, a driven plate, and a release bearing (Manual transmission 717.4)/central operator (Manual transmission 716.6), fork-type clutch release lever (Manual transmission 717.4) and hydraulic drive.
The clutch basket is bolted to the flywheel, which is secured to the engine crankshaft. Between the pressure plate and the flywheel, there is a driven clutch disc equipped with friction linings, which is pressed against the working surface of the flywheel by diaphragm springs of the pressure plate. The driven clutch disc is centered relative to the input shaft of the manual transmission by means of a splined connection.
When the clutch pedal is depressed, the release bearing, under the force developed by hydraulic pressure through the fork-type clutch release lever, presses on the diaphragm spring of the pressure plate, ensuring the release of the driven plate, which stops being pressed against the working surface of the flywheel and, accordingly, transmitting the torque developed by the engine to the input shaft of the gearbox.
The clutch drive on all models is hydraulic. The working fluid is brake fluid, taken from a reservoir shared with the brake system.
Each engagement of the clutch is associated with wear of the friction linings of the driven disk, which is one of the consumable components of the assembly. The average service life of the driven disk is over 100,000 km. The intensity of wear depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle (driving with a trailer) and the owner's driving style. On models equipped with a two-section flywheel with a spring-damping unit that dampens torsional vibrations, the clutch adjustment is performed automatically and there is no need for additional adjustments.
Note: The driven clutch disc on models with a two-section flywheel is not equipped with torsion springs.
Another advantage of cars equipped with two-section flywheels is reduced noise levels at low engine speeds.
(Publication reprinted from this resource mercedesman.ru)