Clutch & Transmission - What They Are, How They Work

Part of your car’s maintenance involves the repair of the vehicle’s clutch and transmission. These are components that make up your car, and it is important to learn exactly what they are and the roles they play in your car.

Defining clutch and transmission

In layman’s language, the clutch is a mechanical component that transfers the rotating power from a vehicle’s engine to the wheels. The transmission is the mechanical device that transfers this rotating power to the wheels.

To learn how the clutch and transmission work, we first need to look at the various components that make up the clutch assembly.

• The flywheel, which is connected to the engine’s crankshaft and spins just as the engine does.
• The pressure plate which is bolted to the flywheel. It holds the clutch plate assembly together and releases tension which allows the assembly it to rotate accordingly.
• The friction disc is located between the flywheel and pressure plate. It has friction surfaces that break or make contact with the pressure plate surfaces or flywheel for smooth engagement or disengagement
• Spring and release levers, which move the friction disc using a diaphragm spring back and forth.

How does a clutch work?

Clutches work on the principle that no power is transmitted until the clutch plate and flywheel are in contact. The transmission runs through the center of the clutch assembly, and it takes the engine power and transmits it to the wheels through the gears. The clutch allows you to have great control of the speed of your car.

Once you press the clutch pedal, the friction disc moves back on the shaft and disengages itself from the flywheel. In this condition, the engine is still running, but the vehicle does not move.

By releasing the clutch plate, the shaft makes the friction disc move forward until it is in contact with the flywheel. The engine’s power is then transmitted to the wheels enabling them to rotate.

Manual vs. automatic transmission

Manual transmission vehicles have a gear shift that allows the driver to shift the transmission into the right gear. They also have a clutch pedal whose purpose is to unlock the gears when you are shifting to the subsequent gear. An automatic transmission vehicle does all these for your once you put it into drive.

Just like any other part of your vehicle, the clutch and transmission also wear out. The most common clutch issue is the clutch slip, where the friction on the disc wears out. This results in sudden engine revs without the accompanying acceleration when the car is in gear.

Do you suspect that your car has a clutch and transmission problem? Ace Auto is a family-owned company whose mechanics are Automotive Service Excellence certified to give you the best repair services. We take them through continuous learning to ensure that they are trained on the latest high-tech vehicle systems. We owe our growing reputation to our honest mechanics and the affordable services we offer. Contact us today at 801-803-6016 for fast, friendly, and reliable services in West Jordan. 

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Created on Jun 21st 2018 01:51. Viewed 361 times.

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