General description of the clutch (Renault Clio 1)

1. All models with manual transmission are equipped with a cable-operated clutch. The block consists of a steel housing assembly, which is mounted on pins and bolted to the rear surface of the flywheel, a pressure plate with a diaphragm spring and a friction disc (see illustration).



2. The clutch friction disc can move freely in the gearbox on the splined input shaft. The disc is held in the working position between the flywheel and the pressure plate by the pressure of the diaphragm spring. The friction linings are attached to the disc with rivets. The disc hub is spring-loaded, which helps soften the shocks that occur when receiving torque during clutch engagement, and also ensures smooth drive transmission.

3. The clutch is mechanically actuated and controlled by a pedal(see illustration).





The clutch release mechanism consists of a release lever and a bearing, which are in constant contact with the sectors of the diaphragm spring.

4. Pressing the clutch pedal moves the release lever via a cable. The lever pushes the release bearing, pressing it against the sectors of the diaphragm spring and thus moving the center of the spring inward. This causes the outer part of the spring to move away from the friction disc, thus relieving pressure on it and disengaging the clutch.

5. When the pedal is released, the diaphragm spring again presses the pressure plate against the friction plate. The latter is firmly clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel, thus transmitting the engine torque to the gearbox shafts.

6. The increase in clearance caused by wear of the linings on the friction disc is automatically compensated by the regulator, which is attached to the clutch pedal. The mechanism consists of a toothed segment, a cam and a tension spring. One end of the clutch cable is attached to a toothed segment that rotates freely on the pedal but is held under tension by a spring. When the pedal is depressed, the cam comes into contact with the toothed segment, thus engaging it and allowing the pedal to move the cable and disengage the clutch. When the pedal is released, the tension spring causes the cam to move freely away from the toothed segment; while maintaining tension on the cable. This allows the release bearing to remain in contact with the diaphragm spring at all times. As the friction linings on the disc wear, the toothed segment of the slack adjuster will rotate, keeping the pedal free play constant.