This releases the pressure plate, which backs off of the clutch disc. The clutch disc and transmission input shaft stop rotating with the clutch assembly. Power from the engine is no longer reaching the transmission. This pause in power and rotation allows the gears inside the transmission to be shifted easily and smoothly into place. Releasing the clutch pedal then causes all clutch components to compress and spin in unison again, powering the transmission and wheels for forward motion.

The clutch disc (3) and transmission input shaft (6) are splined together and move as one unit. When the car is in motion, the disc is pressed between the flywheel (2) and pressure plate (4), and the entire clutch assembly and shaft revolve together. Depressing the clutch pedal engages the throw-out fork, which pushes the bearing and sleeve (7) against the diaphragm spring (5) (or release levers).

Clutch Housing and Clutch Pedal

The clutch housing is a larger dome cover made of cast iron or aluminum. One end connects to the transmission, flares up over the clutch components and flywheel, and the opposite end bolts to the engine. There are openings in the housing to allow air circulation and cooling. The throw-out fork extends out through one of these openings. The clutch pedal is connected to the throw-out fork by a series of links and cables, or hydraulic lines.