Why is clutch pressure so important? Check out what you should know about it!
You certainly know that the clutch is one of the most important mechanisms in the construction of the entire car. Thanks to it, it is possible to freely change the gear ratio without straining the gearbox and engine. One of the basic elements of the clutch is the pressure. What is this element responsible for and how is it constructed?
The clutch pressure plays one of the key roles in the operation of the entire mechanism. It is otherwise called the pressure disc. Its main function is to protect the central clutch disc.
What is the clutch pressure responsible for?
The element interacts closely with many clutch components. Pressure affects, among others: for the mentioned disc, flywheel, bearing and slave clutch . Thanks to the pressure, the disc is held during the swing. In this way, the power from the engine goes through the disc, flywheel, and then to the clutch shaft in the gearbox.
Proper pressure protects the clutch disc. If it is too weak, the relative slippage may cause it to wear out faster.
How is the clutch pressure plate constructed?
The clutch disc is pressed by a metal friction disc, which is moved by a special mechanism. It adjusts its position at the desired moment. Its construction is simple because it contains a diaphragm spring and levers. If it moves the pressure away from the clutch, the drive will be disconnected, which will enable the gear to be changed.
Damaged clutch pressure — symptoms and causes
The main cause of damage to the clamp is its use. This is an element that wears out from the very beginning of using the car. Both the pressure control mechanism and the abrasive disc wear out. Sudden failures are rare and are most often caused by very weak materials.
You will accelerate the use of the pressure plate if you press the clutch too rapidly. It is also undesirable to press the pedal halfway.
Symptoms of element wear
Symptoms include problems with changing gears, a loud and unpleasant clicking sound when pressing the pedal, an uncontrolled increase in engine speed and jerking when starting.
When to replace the clutch pressure plate?
There is no specific number of kilometers traveled that will tell you when to replace the clutch pressure plate. Symptoms of a worn element will therefore be the only indication for this. You should start this process as soon as you notice the first symptoms of excessive use.
Mechanics recommend replacing the entire system, not just the pressure plate. Why? Sometimes one part costs more than the full clutch . Moreover, if the specialists already get to it, it is worth changing the entire set at the same time, because you are not sure that the next part will not fail.
Clutch pressure regeneration — is it worth it?
The pressure disc is a relatively expensive element, and when replacing it, you should invest in proven equipment . See The solution that will save you money is to regenerate the clutch pressure plate. What is this process?
