Function of Release Fork in Car Clutch System & How It Works
Car clutch functions to connect and disconnect the rotation from the transmission and the car engine. For the clutch to function properly, you need to pay attention to the components of the clutch system including the release fork. So what is the function of the release fork in the car clutch system? How does this component work? To avoid confusion, pay attention to the following review.
Function of the Release Fork in the Car Clutch System
The release fork is often referred to as a release fork because its shape resembles a fork. This component is easily found in the car clutch area.
This clutch system component plays a vital role in the operation of the car clutch. Here are the functions of the release fork, among others:
1. Pressing and Releasing the Release Bearing
The release fork functions to press another component in the clutch system, namely the release bearing. This pressing serves to release the connection between the engine and the car transmission.
The release fork will move the release bearing and press the clutch element so that when the clutch pedal is pressed, it will create a push on the transmission and disconnect the engine rotation.
2. Transmitting Mechanical Power
The release fork also functions as a transmitter of mechanical power from the actuator cylinder to the release bearing. Then the power from the release bearing will be transmitted to the diaphragm spring to activate the actual clutch function.
Read Also: Understanding the Definition and Function of the Shift Fork in Cars
How the Release Fork Works in the Car Clutch System
The mechanism of the release fork is quite simple. Generally, the release fork component is driven by two driving systems, namely mechanical and hydraulic systems.
In the mechanical drive system, the release fork is pushed by a release cable that receives a push from the clutch pedal. This condition will make the release fork work as it should.
Meanwhile, in the hydraulic drive system, oil will be released to properly lubricate the release fork. Subsequently, the release fork will move other components of the clutch system so that the clutch can function properly.
Other Components Besides the Release Fork
In the car clutch system, there are other components besides the release fork that you need to pay attention to and maintain. Here are some components of the car clutch system besides the release fork.
1. Pedal
The outermost component of the automatic or manual car clutch system. Its function is to connect the clutch master cylinder.
2. Clutch Master Cylinder
Functions as a tool to convert the mechanical power of the clutch pedal into hydraulic.
3. Clutch Master Cylinder (Upper and Lower Parts)
The upper part of the clutch master cylinder functions to receive pressure response from the clutch pedal. This component is often referred to as the master clutch.
Meanwhile, the lower part (power clutch) functions to receive pressure from the master clutch to be channeled to the release fork.
4. Actuator Cylinder
This component functions to elevate the clutch; you can find this component inside the clutch master cylinder.
5. Hydraulic Clutch Pipe
This component functions to regulate hydraulic pressure in the car clutch system.
6. Clutch Cover
Functions as a cover for the clutch while the car's flywheel is moving and protects various clutch components from the risk of damage.
7. Release Bearing
Functions to transmit energy from the auto cylinder and release fork to the clutch cover.
8. Pressure Plate
Functions to press the clutch cover and produce mechanical energy that will be transmitted to the clutch plate in large quantities.
Read Also: Function of the Cushion Plate on the Car Clutch Plate & Its Components
9. Clutch Plate
Functions to receive energy from the engine rotation and then transmit it to the transmission for clutch automation.
Thus is the review regarding the function of the release fork, along with how it works. Make sure you always routinely maintain this component along with other components so that the clutch functions properly.