Understanding Car Clutches, How They Work and Their Maintenance
The car clutch is one of the important parts of a car. Especially if your car uses a manual transmission. The function of the clutch itself is to connect the crankshaft with the car's transmission gears.
Another function of this car part is to transfer engine power to the transmission gears. Later, the power transferred by the clutch will be processed into a speed level that can be adjusted according to needs.
In this article, we will explain several things related to car clutches. Starting from how it works to its maintenance. Who knows, these things might help you get to know this car component better.
How the Car Clutch Works
Let's start the discussion about the car clutch from how it works. Broadly speaking, the way a car clutch works is to disconnect or connect the power from the engine to the transmission gears.
The operation of the car clutch occurs in two different conditions. When the clutch is not pressed, and when the clutch is pressed are the two conditions.
When the Car Clutch is Not Pressed
In this condition, the car clutch will work by directly connecting the engine rotation with the transmission. In this condition, the release bearing on the clutch does not press the clutch cover spring.
This causes the pressure plate on the clutch cover to apply pressure, as well as grip on the clutch disc. If this happens, the power from the engine will be directly connected to the transmission.
When the Car Clutch is Pressed
In this condition, the car clutch will disconnect the rotation from the engine to the transmission. Thus, the transmission will not directly feel the pressure from the car's engine.
In this condition, the release bearing presses the clutch cover. As a result, the pressure plate is lifted and cannot press the clutch disc. This is what prevents the engine power from reaching the transmission.
Components of the Car Clutch
Like other car parts, the car clutch also has several components within it. There are about eight components in the clutch. These eight components are:
Clutch Pedal: is the clutch component that functions to disconnect or connect the clutch.
Release Bearing: is the component that functions to press the clutch cover component.
Clutch Cover: the component that is pressed by the release bearing. Its main function is to press the clutch disc so that it can transfer engine power to the transmission and the clutch disc itself.
Release Fork: also known as the release fork, this component functions as a press for the release bearing. Later, the release bearing will press and attach to the clutch cover.
Clutch Disc: this one is the place to transfer or disconnect power. Specifically, the power from the engine to the clutch cover and transmission.
Power Clutch: also known as the master clutch, its function is to convert hydraulic pressure into mechanical motion.
Master Clutch: in contrast to other components, this component actually converts mechanical power into hydraulic.
Flywheel: this component has two functions. First, as a continuation of the engine rotation. And second, as a seat for the clutch cover component, as well as the clutch disc.
Correct Car Clutch Adjustment
To achieve optimal operation, the car clutch must have the correct adjustment. The more accurate the clutch adjustment, the easier the transfer of power from the engine to the transmission will be.
There are two ways to achieve the correct car clutch adjustment. Both are adjusting the height of the clutch pedal and setting the free play on the car pedal.
The pedal itself is an important component in determining the correct car clutch adjustment. Therefore, it is not surprising that the two methods for achieving the clutch adjustment are heavily reliant on the clutch pedal. If you want to know more details about the two methods for achieving the correct car clutch adjustment, you can read the following article.
How to Maintain the Car Clutch
Maintaining the car clutch is mandatory. Doing so is equivalent to extending the life of the clutch and keeping its performance consistent.
Maintaining the car clutch is not too difficult. You just need to follow the steps we will present as follows!
Minimize Half Clutch Use While Driving
One of the bad habits of drivers when using the clutch is using half clutch. If you are one of those drivers, please try to reduce this habit.
Doing this habit will only cause the clutch pads to wear out quickly. If left unchecked, this will certainly have a negative impact on the car's clutch in the long term.
If you must do it, try to do so when the clutch temperature starts to decrease.
Do Not Force the Car to Drive Through Floods
In addition to making the car dirty and prone to rust, floodwater can also have a negative impact on the car clutch. One of the negative effects is that it disrupts the clutch system due to floodwater entering it.
As much as possible, do not force yourself to drive through floods. Unless your car is equipped with automatic transmission.
Check the Brake Fluid Volume
The volume of brake fluid significantly affects the performance of the car clutch. Make sure the fluid volume is at normal levels. If not, you can add or reduce the fluid volume.
Excessive fluid volume can also have negative effects. One of them is causing the car clutch to slip.
Adjust the Clutch Gap
The car clutch will often change condition if used regularly. This also affects the change in the car clutch gap. Therefore, frequently adjust the clutch gap if you feel there is a change in that gap.
In addition to keeping the clutch gap position from changing too much, adjusting the clutch gap can also make the energy transition from the engine to the transmission smooth, and make you comfortable when using the clutch.
The adjustment step itself is not too difficult. You just need to turn the adjustment nut in the desired direction. The adjustment nut is located right at the bottom of the master cylinder.
Do Not Leave the Car Unused for a Long Time
In addition to making the car prone to damage, leaving the car unused for a long time also negatively impacts the clutch. Doing so will make the clutch hard when it is about to be used.
Therefore, try to operate your car frequently. If you have no activities, you can warm up the car while driving around your complex or neighborhood.
Don't forget to try using your car's clutch while operating your car. Make sure the clutch is still functioning well.
The car clutch is one of the important parts of a car. Especially if your car uses a manual transmission. The function of the clutch itself is to connect the crankshaft with the car's transmission gears.
The clutch itself has its own way of working, components, adjustments, and maintenance methods. All of that has been explained in this article. Hopefully, it can add knowledge and make you pay more attention to this important part of manual transmission cars.
Author: Anggie Warsito
