Clutch Components

The Clutch - Most vehicles on the road today run what is known as a three piece clutch kit, comprising of a Clutch Disc, a Pressure Plate and a Release Bearing. Generally all three pieces are replaced at the same time, although it is possible to buy these parts individually, it is recommended to change them all.

As technology advances, and cars become more focused on reduced noise, polution and weight, the clutch system is being fine tuned to be more efficient. This fine tuning has led to the creation of new components, such as Dual Mass Flywheels and Concentric Slave Cylinders, have been designed to work in conjunction with the origianal clutch design.

Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) - With modern engines being driven at lower rpm's, vehicles becoming lighter and more areo-dynamic, plus the addition of an extra gear or two, many factors are creating more fuel efficient cars. However, all these factors are leading to reduced natural damping, and increased noise. In short, the engine, when running, creates gear rattles and gearbox noise.

Because of the advances these noises would be more prominent, so the job of the clutch is as important as ever, in addition to engaging and disengaging, it must also effectively dampen the engines vibrations. This led to the creation of the DMF, which dampens the engine’s torsional vibrations and brings about the desired comfort level. The process reduces load on the transmission at the same time.

Concentric Slave Cylinders - Hydraulic concentric slave cylinders combine a number of different functions in a compact unit that can be easily mounted to the gearbox. In order to increase the level of functional integration an extensive use of plastic materials is used in the design. To minimise pedal-force, a new lubricant has been developed especially for application in concentric slave cylinders. This guarantees consistent performance throughout the service life.

Self-adjusting Clutch - Since clutches are subject to wear during use in the vehicle a great deal of effort has gone into developing a type of wear compensation system for the clutch. The self-adjusting clutch SAC uses a load sensor (sensor-diaphragm spring) to activate its wear compensation by turning a ramp ring. This compensation mechanism has made it possible to decrease operating loads. The compensation for the clutch wear has also made it possible to increase the clutch service life by about 1.5 times without any significant change in the operating load over the service life.