How well do you know the components of a clutch system?

Study Notes

The engine flywheel serves four purposes: smoothing engine power pulses, absorbing heat from clutch operation, providing the mounting surface for the starter motor ring gear, and providing the application surface for the clutch friction disc.
Inertia created by the flywheel mass smooths out or dampens engine power pulses.
The flywheel absorbs some of the heat created by clutch operation.
Some vehicles use a dual-mass flywheel to dampen engine vibrations.
Pilot bearings support the engine end of the transmission input shaft and provide a low-friction surface for the shaft to ride on.
The purpose of the clutch pedal linkage is to transfer the force from the driver's foot to the release bearing.
There are three types of clutch linkage: levers and rods, cable operation, and hydraulic.
Hydraulic clutch operation transmits force using a fluid.
Liquids cannot be compressed, so force put on liquid at one end of a passage will exert the same force at the other end.
In a hydraulic clutch system, the input piston in the clutch master cylinder is connected to the clutch pedal, and the output piston is located in the actuator cylinder.
Hydraulic systems in vehicles require DOT 3 brake fluid to prevent air from causing incomplete operation.
The clutch release bearing is connected to the clutch operating system and moves when the driver presses or releases the clutch pedal.
The release bearing presses against the diaphragm spring fingers or coil spring levers to disengage the clutch.
Most release bearings are ball bearings and have an outer race that rotates with the spring fingers or levers.
The inner race and sleeve of the bearing are stationary and do not spin.
The release bearing slides on the transmission front bearing retainer, which is also called a quill or candlestick.
The release bearing is secured to the release fork with a snap ring, spring clips, or lock pins.
Self-adjusting clutch operating systems have no clearance between the release bearing outer race and the spring fingers or levers.
Constant-running release bearings are typical of pull-type clutch operating systems that move away from the flywheel to disengage the clutch.
Release bearings that do not self-adjust must have some clearance between the outer race and the spring fingers when the clutch is engaged to prevent constant spinning and wear.

Description

Test your knowledge on the vital components of a vehicle's clutch system with this informative quiz. Learn about the purpose of the engine flywheel, pilot bearings, and clutch pedal linkage. Discover the different types of clutch linkage, including hydraulic systems, and the importance of using DOT 3 brake fluid. Explore the function of the clutch release bearing and why self-adjusting and constant-running release bearings are essential. Improve your understanding of how these components work together to ensure smooth and efficient operation of your vehicle's clutch