Clutch — description and check

1. All vehicles with a manual transaxle use a single dry plate, diaphragm spring type clutch. The clutch disc has a splined hub that allows it to slide along the splines of the transaxle input shaft. The clutch and pressure plate are held in contact by spring pressure exerted by the diaphragm in the pressure plate.

2. The clutch release system is operated by hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic release system consists of the clutch pedal, a master cylinder and fluid reservoir, the hydraulic line, an accumulator, a release (or slave) cylinder which actuates the clutch release lever and the clutch release (or throw-out) bearing.

Note: On 2010 and later models, the release bearing and release cylinder are an assembly and no lever is used.

3. When pressure is applied to the clutch pedal to release the clutch, hydraulic pressure is exerted against the outer end of the clutch release lever. As the lever pivots, the shaft fingers push against the release bearing. The bearing pushes against the fingers of the diaphragm spring of the pressure plate assembly, which in turn releases the clutch plate.

4. Terminology can be a problem regarding the clutch components because common names have in some cases changed from that used by the manufacturer. For example, the driven plate is also called the clutch plate or disc, the pressure plate assembly is sometimes referred to as the clutch cover, the clutch release bearing is sometimes called a throw-out bearing, and the release cylinder is sometimes called the operating or slave cylinder.

5. Other than replacing components that have obvious damage, some preliminary checks should be performed to diagnose a clutch system failure.

) The first check should be of the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder (see Tune-up and routine maintenance). If the fluid level is low, add fluid as necessary and inspect the hydraulic clutch system for leaks. If the master cylinder reservoir has run dry, bleed the system (see Clutch hydraulic system — bleeding) and re-test the clutch operation.
) To check clutch spin-down time, run the engine at normal idle speed with the transaxle in Neutral (clutch pedal up -engaged). Disengage the clutch (pedal down), wait several seconds and shift the transaxle into Reverse. No grinding noise should be heard. A grinding noise would most likely indicate a problem in the pressure plate or the clutch disc.
) To check for complete clutch release, run the engine (with the parking brake applied to prevent movement) and hold the clutch pedal approximately 1/2-inch from the floor. Shift the transaxle between 1st gear and Reverse several If the shift is not smooth, corpulent failure is indicated. Check the release cylinder pushrod travel. With the clutch pedal depressed completely the release cylinder pushrod should extend substantially. If it doesn’t, check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder.
) Visually inspect the clutch pedal bushing at the top of the clutch pedal to make sure there is no sticking or excessive
) Under the vehicle, check that the clutch release lever is solidly mounted on the ball stud.