Clutches - Explained

What is a clutch and how does it work? This video explains how a clutch works, and how it enables your engine to connect to the transmission and rotate the tires. This video was made as a request from a viewer who was looking for an alternate explanation. I hope this clarifies any issues.

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Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• clutch
• how
• it
• works
• explained
• what
• is
• the
• function
• pressure
• plate
• flywheel
• diaphragm
• spring

[ghat13]

question....my clutch squeaks and sort of sticks at the end of the stroke (when its pretty much bottomed out on the floor), the severity of it varies on a day by day basis, weather, temp, etc.....could this be a release bearing problem??

[EngineeringExplained]

@ghat13 I'm not sure. Maybe someone here can help. Or you could ask some YouTube mechanics, ericthecarguy and scottykilmer. Scotty usually answers pretty quickly.

[lman333]

I have a question about drag.  I am experimenting with "coasting", and I find that if I put my clutch in on my 6 speed car, there is still an "engine drag" on the car. If I put it in neutral and coast, there is no engine drag, and the car coasts better/farther. Does this make sense that would happen? If so, can you give a simple explanation as to why? :-)

[EngineeringExplained]

@lman333 Yeah it makes sense if your clutch is not completely disengaging. When you press the pedal in, perhaps there is still a slight amount of contact between the clutch and the pressure plate (see my video on clutches if this doesn't seem clear) and so that friction passes through your whole drive train. When you're in neutral your engine is completely disconnected from your tires (via the transmission) so no drag will occur (and your clutch will be engaged).

[cgraham5790]

Nice videos dude. I am also a senior in ME at NC State. Looks like you paid attention in MAE 408 and 442.

[EngineeringExplained]

@cgraham5790 Haha, I suppose you could say that. 442 was fairly frustrating though. Everything was way too basic. I suppose that's fine though, easy A. 408 was definitely useful, just difficult to pay attention/make it to class that late.

[pobetiger]

Thank you, you have one of the best explanation of what the clutch do. Covering all the basis. Better than the how stuff works version. Good job!

[EngineeringExplained]

@basketballjurujtc I'm a senior at NC State. I'll be graduating in May. We won our bowl game couple days ago!

[EngineeringExplained]

@mekaneck311 I agree with everything you just said. But obviously the crankshaft can withstand the force because you can hold the clutch in and nothing will happen. When I got my first car about 4 years ago, I always held the clutch in at lights and left it in first.

[mekaneck311]

@tnphysics Holding the clutch pedal down while idling has the same effect on the cranshaft thrust bearing as holding the clutch pedal down while driving. Both are considered "riding the clutch". The axial force on the crankshaft is dependent on how far you depress the clutch pedal. It doesn't matter if the car is moving. When the pedal is released, there is no net axial force on the crankshaft. Hence, if you are idling while stopped, it is best to shift into neutral and release the clutch pedal