A clutch is a mechanical device in a motor vehicle that acts as a linkage between the engine and transmission. Its main function is to engage and disengage the power transmission from the driving shaft to the driven shaft, allowing the wheels to disengage without stopping the engine
. The clutch is an essential component in both manual and automatic transmissions, and it works in conjunction with other systems such as the torque converter
. There are several types of clutches, including:
- Friction clutches
- Multiple plate clutches
- Cone clutches
- Centrifugal clutches
- Wet versus dry systems
Clutches operate by using frictional forces to connect and disconnect the engine's input shaft from the transmission's output shaft. In a manual transmission, the clutch is connected to both the shaft coming from the engine and the shafts that turn the wheels
. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the clutch disengages, allowing the engine speed (RPM) to no longer be determined by the speed of the driven wheels
. This enables the driver to change gears without stopping the engine
. The clutch is typically mounted directly to the face of the engine's flywheel, which provides a large-diameter steel disk that can act as one driving plate
. Some racing clutches use small multi-plate disk packs that are not part of the flywheel
. Clutches can fail due to various reasons, such as wear and tear, and they may require replacement at least once in a car's lifetime, depending on the driver's style and usage
