We began our journey through the drivetrain last month with an analysis of flywheels; now we move on to the clutch system. The clutch basically engages and disengages the transmission, and thus power from the engine, and allows the driver to idle in neutral and to shift gears. The conventional diaphragm clutch is known as a compressed clutch and consists of two basic components, the clutch cover and disc.
The clutch cover is an outer shell constructed from a steel stamping or casting that contains four main components: the pressure plate, diaphragm spring, pivot ring and drive strap. The pressure plate is a cast piece that provides the pivot point for the diaphragm as well as a friction surface for the clutch disc and mounting surface for the drive straps. The diaphragm is a spring-steel disc that is sandwiched between the outer cover and the pressure plate. The steel pivot ring is attached to the clutch cover, creating the fulcrum point for the diaphragm. Also manufactured from spring steel, the drive straps are used to attach the pressure plate to the clutch cover, allowing the plate to disengage from the clutch disc.
The clutch disc is the most critical component in the system. Between the flywheel and clutch, the transmission input shaft goes into the spines of the clutch disc and slides forward and backward, providing fluid engagement. All clutch discs contain a hub flange and friction material. Depending on the vehicle, the clutch disc may contain torsion springs or idle-stage dampers or a combination of both. The friction material used by most OEM manufacturers is an organic-based material, which provides smooth gear shifts and prolongs the life of the clutch system.
There are many important things to consider when upgrading your vehicle's clutch. The first and foremost factor is driveability. If the pedal is too stiff, driving in heavy traffic will be painfully uncomfortable and could cause your left calf muscle to distend to the point of bodybuilder's envy. The second thing to consider is the type of clutch disc and the material the disc is made from. Aftermarket clutch manufacturers use many different combinations of materials and disc configurations to tailor the assembly to specific uses: drag racing, road racing, daily street use, and so on, so make sure you do your homework. If you buy a race clutch disc made specifically for track use, driving that clutch on the street can cause low-end gear chatter, stalling, and decreased clutch life. For daily street use and mild track use, a full-faced organic compound with a copper weave works perfectly.