What is the working principle of the clutch disc and pressure plate?
2 Answers
The working principles of the clutch disc and pressure plate are as follows: 1. The working principle of the clutch disc is to transmit power to the driven disc through the friction between the flywheel, pressure plate, and the contact surface of the driven disc. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the mechanism causes the large end of the diaphragm spring to push the pressure plate backward, separating the driven part from the driving part. 2. The working principle of the clutch pressure plate: The clutch housing, including the intermediate pressure plate, is installed on the plunger at the rear end face of the flywheel. Under the action of the spring, the pressure plate engages with the friction disc, transmitting the engine power to the transmission. The clutch mainly consists of the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate. The flywheel is a metal disc directly connected to the crankshaft in the engine, rotating the same number of times as the engine crankshaft. The clutch pressure plate is directly connected to the transmission.
The clutch disc and pressure plate are like a well-coordinated team between the car and the engine, something I deal with daily as a driver. When you press the clutch pedal, the spring force on the pressure plate is pushed open by the release bearing, separating the clutch disc from the flywheel and cutting off power. When you release the clutch, the pressure plate firmly presses the disc back against the flywheel, instantly transferring the engine's power. This clamping and releasing process relies entirely on the friction material of the clutch disc holding up under pressure. If not used properly—like riding the clutch or aggressive starts—the disc wears thin and the pressure plate warps, making replacement both troublesome and expensive. So, smooth and gentle clutch operation is best for your car, extending its lifespan and saving on repairs.