Description and testing of clutch

Description

1. Models with non-automatic transmission are equipped with a single-disk dry friction clutch with a diaphragm spring and a cable drive. The cover assembly contains a steel cover (secured with pins and bolts on the rear side of the flywheel), pressure plate and diaphragm spring.

2. The friction disc can move freely along the splines of the transmission input shaft. Under the action of the diaphragm spring, the pressure plate presses it against the flywheel. Friction linings are riveted to the disc. It also features damping springs to ensure smooth torque transfer and smooth out drivetrain jerks.

3. The clutch is driven by a cable from the clutch pedal. The clutch release mechanism consists of a release lever and a release bearing that presses on the petals of the diaphragm spring. When you press the clutch pedal, the release lever, driven by a cable, presses the release bearing. The release bearing is pressed against the petals of the diaphragm spring, due to which the center of the spring moves inward along the clutch axis. When the center of the spring moves inward, its periphery moves outward and thereby presses the pressure plate, which releases the clutch friction plate.

4. When the pedal is released, the diaphragm spring presses the pressure plate against the friction plate. Due to this, torque is transmitted from the engine to the gearbox.

5. On older models, the clutch is cable operated. A cable connects the clutch pedal to the release lever mounted on the transmission housing. When you press the pedal, the release lever presses on the release bearing, overcoming the force of the petals of the diaphragm spring.


6 Unlike other Ford models, the clutch pedal is not self-adjusting, although it does have the same toothed segment as the self-adjusting pedal models. The spring-loaded latch that interacts with the segment in the self-adjusting drive is not installed here, although the pedal moves the segment when it touches the end stops. Pedal adjustment can only be done manually.

7. On late models (since 1994) the clutch is hydraulic. A main hydraulic cylinder is installed under the pedal, connected by a pipeline to a separate chamber of the reserve reservoir of the brake hydraulic system.

Pressing the pedal causes the rod of the main hydraulic cylinder to move, and the pressure arising in the hydraulic system acts on the executive hydraulic cylinder installed inside the transmission bell. The hydraulic actuator is built into the clutch release bearing.

8. The advantages of a hydraulic clutch drive over a cable drive in that. that it requires no adjustment, operates with less pedal force and is subject to less wear.

Examination

9. When troubleshooting the clutch, the following checks can be made.

• A) On models with cable drive, first check the cable along its entire length for damage. From must be properly laid, sharp bends are not allowed.
• b) On hydraulic models, inspect lines for damage, dents, or leaks.
• V) To check the engagement of the clutch, bring the engine to idle and put the transmission in neutral (clutch pedal released). Open the clutch (pressing the pedal) and wait a few seconds, then engage reverse. At the same time, the noise (similar to the sound of grinding) should not be heard. A similar sound most often indicates a malfunction of the pressure or friction disc. Keep in mind, however, that the reverse gear is synchromeshed, so that a possible clutch failure may be indicated by a slight backward movement of the vehicle. This movement is more noticeable if the vehicle is standing on a level surface with the parking brake released during the test.
• V) To check that the clutch is fully disengaged at idle, hold the clutch pedal about one centimeter from the buttock. Shift from first gear to reverse a few times and vice versa. If the shift is not smooth or the vehicle is trying to move forward or backward, then this indicates a malfunction. Check cable and clutch pedal adjustment.
• G) On hydraulic models, slow or poor clutch engagement may be due to air being drawn into the hydraulic system. It is possible to eliminate air from the hydraulic system, as indicated in chapter 10.
• d) Check to see if the pedal bushings are worn out or obstructing its movement.