Title: Checking Clutch Fluid and Lines

AUTOMOTIVE CLUTCH

 The clutch is located between the engine and the transmission. To engage and disengage the power
transmission from the engine by pedal operation during gear shifting. The clutch gradually transmit
power from the engine to the drive wheels in order to start the automobile smoothly, and smoothly
change the transmission gears according to the condition under which the vehicle is traveling.

REQUIREMENT OF THE CLUTCH

1. It must engage the transmission and the engine smoothly.

2. Once it engages the transmission, it must transmit power entirely without slipping.

3. It must disengage the transmission accurately and quickly.

 PARTS OF THE CLUTCH

Automotive clutch consists of 3 major parts. These are the flywheel, clutch disc and pressure plate
assembly.

FLYWHEEL

 On a vehicle with manual transmission, a heavy metal wheel attached to the engine crankshaft which
rotates with it; helps smooth out the power surges from the power strokes and serves as part of the
clutch .The flywheel and pressure plate are the drive or driving members. They attach to and rotate
with the engine crankshaft.
CLUTCH DISC

 It is necessary that the clutch disc transmit power smoothly and once it is engaged, it transmit power
continuously without slipping. The clutch disc must be built in such a way that, when the power is disconnected,
this can be done accurately as well as quickly.
 The clutch disc consists of the facing, which is a friction material (usually it is made of asbestos) riveted onto
both side of the disc circumference and a hub in the center, which receives the input shaft of the transmission.

CLUTCH COVER ASSEMBLY OR PRESSURE PLATE ASSEMBLY

 Since the clutch cover assembly is fitted to the flywheel of the engine and rotates integrally with the eng ine, it
must be well-balanced for good rotation. In addition, it must have good capacity to radiate heat from the
engaged clutch.
 Clutch covers are divided in two types depending on the type of springs used for pushing the pressure plates
against the clutch disc: those having a diaphragm and those with coil springs.
 While the diaphragm spring type clutch cover is used frequently today, the coil spring type clutch cover is also
used in some heavy duty commercial vehicles

 TYPES OF CLUTCH
There are two types of CLUTCH, distinguished by the way they are operated: the hydraulically operated clutch
and the mechanically operated clutch using a cable linkage.

MECHANICAL TYPE CLUTCH

 The movement of the clutch pedal of this type is conveyed to the clutch body directly by a cable.
 HYDRAULIC OPERATED CLUTCH
 In this type of clutch, the movement of the clutch pedal is converted by the master cylinder into a
hydraulic pressure which then transmitted to the clutch release fork via the release cylinder. In this
type of clutch, the driver is bothered less by noise vibration from the engine and the clutch itself is
easier to operate.

CLUTCH OPERATION
 Disengaging the clutch (pushing down the clutch pedal down) moves the pressure plate away from the
friction disc. Releasing the clutch pedal engages the clutch. Spring force clamps the friction disc
between the pressure plate and the flywheel. Then the friction disc and transmission input shaft turn
with the flywheel. When the driver depresses the clutch pedal, linkage to the clutch fork causes it to
pivot. The fork pushes against the release bearing or throw out bearing. This forces the release bearing
inward against release fingers or lever in the pressure plate assembly. These pivot pushes the pressure
plate away from the friction.

PEDAL DOWN, CLUTCH DISENGAGED

 When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the clutch disengages so no power flows through to the transmission.

PEDAL UP, CLUTCH ENGAGED

 When the clutch pedal is released, the clutch engages, transmitting power from the crankshaft
flywheel to the transmission.
 P5MASTER CYLINDER
 This liquid filled cylinder is the hydraulic brake system or clutch where hydraulic pressu re is developed when the
driver depresses a foot pedal.

How to Check the Fluid for a Hydraulic Clutch in Your Car

Supplies and Materials

 Brake fluid

Tools

 Rags

Check the Fluid for a Hydraulic Clutch in Your Car

Procedure:
Cars with manual transmissions (stick shift) use either hydraulics (which uses fluid) or a cable to connect your
clutch pedal to the transmission. If your car has a hydraulic clutch, the fluid must be checked monthly to ensure
that it's full and there aren't any leaks.

Instructions
Things Needed:
 Brake Fluids
Step1 Determine whether your car has a hydraulic clutch.

Step2: Turn the engine off and open the hood.

Step3: Look for a small plastic container about 1 inch in diameter located close to the back of the engine, usually
near the brake fluid reservoir. It looks a lot like the brake fluid reservoir but it's smaller. Imagine that the clutch
pedal went straight through into the engine compartment: this is where you'll find the clutch master cyl inder
and clutch reservoir.
Step 4 Check the fluid level. The reservoir is usually clear with a small round rubber cap on the top; it should be
filled to the top.
Step 5 Add brake fluid if it’s low.

Step 6 Replace the cap.

Tips & Warnings

 The hydraulic clutch uses brake fluid. There's no such thing as “clutch fluid" - you'll get laughed at if you go into
an auto parts shop asking for it.
 Cars with a clutch cable do not use any fluid.
 A leak can often be seen at the reservoir/clutch master cylinder, at the other end of the clutch hydraulic line
at the clutch slave cylinder, or inside the car behind the clutch pedal.
 Take care not to spill brake fluid on yourself or the car's paint - it's highly corrosive. Wash your hands and
wipe any spills with a rag.
 If the clutch reservoir is consistently low probably it has a leak. The reservoir is very small so even a little
leak can empty it out quickly. Without fluid, your clutch pedal is useless so you won't be able to shift, or to
drive. See your mechanic if you suspect a leak.