Have you ever wondered how you can disconnect a car's engine from its gearbox simply by depressing the clutch pedal? It pays to know, as this may make you a more sensitive driver and cause less damage to the mechanism itself. So, how does this magic take place?
Isolating the Engine
When the engine is turned on, the crankshaft is in constant motion, turning the flywheel that mates with the gearbox. You won't be able to change gear to help deal with different road speeds unless you isolate the engine first. This requires a clutch mechanism that sits in between the gearbox and the flywheel. It's composed of the pressure plate, disc, cable and release bearing.
How the System Works
The clutch pedal is connected to the release bearing hydraulically or through a cable. In cable-operated systems, the act of depressing the clutch pedal will pull the cable, which is connected through a fork to the bearing. This will cause the bearing to move forward along the transmission shaft, pressing against a spring-loaded pressure plate. This action will then move the clutch disc away from the flywheel and create that essential separation. You will now be able to safely and smoothly engage the right gear.
Poor Driving Behaviour
Some people get into the habit of missing gears rather than changing down or up sequentially. This can put a lot of additional stress on the clutch bearing and may eventually mean premature failure. Other people may sit with their foot resting on the clutch pedal and, without realising, can also cause an issue. This action may cause the clutch bearing to rub against the pressure plate at all times, which will definitely affect its longevity.
Time for Adjustment
It's also important to service the clutch system from time to time and make adjustments as necessary. For example, you may need to adjust the length of the clutch cable so the bearing is always in the correct place and does its job without excess wear.
Taking Action
If you notice any strange noises when you depress the clutch or find that you have difficulty changing gears, you may have an issue with your bearing. You may need to get it replaced or, at the very least, take the vehicle to a mechanic so they can find out what's going wrong. In the meantime, always ensure that you treat the clutch pedal with care and change gears smoothly, as this may help you to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Contact an auto repair service to learn more.
