How does a clutch work in a manual transmission?

The clutch in an automobile transmission is what works to engage and disengage the moving parts of the drive shaft. In a manual transmission, the driver must manipulate a pedal or lever to shift gears. The clutch is what allows the gears to engage or disengage.

How the clutch works

The clutch consists of a flywheel, pressure plate, disc, release bearing and release system. The flywheel rotates with the engine. A pressure plate bolted to the flywheel holds the clutch assembly together. The disc is located between the flywheel and pressure plate and allows the pressure plate and flywheel to both make and break contact. Finally, the release bearing and release system work together to allow the clutch to engage and disengage.

In a manual transmission, the input shaft transmits engine power to the wheels of the vehicle using gears. The input shaft, passing through the middle of the disc, flywheel and pressure plate, has a bearing that takes most of the load on the shaft. There is another smaller bearing in the middle of the flywheel that serves to center the shaft so that it can rotate with the engagement and disengagement of the clutch assembly. The clutch disc is connected to this assembly.

When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the disc, pressure plate and flywheel are disengaged and the driver can shift gears. When the pedal is up, the components are engaged and the car moves.