Clutch work
Clutch gap. When the clutch pedal is not depressed, clearance in the clutch system allows the clutch release bearing to be relieved of a constant load. This clearance becomes smaller as the friction linings wear (pedal play, on the contrary, becomes larger).
Clutch disengagement. When you press the clutch pedal in the main cylinder of the hydraulic drive, pressure builds up. It is transmitted to the slave cylinder located on the gearbox, while the rod of the slave cylinder extends and drives the clutch release bearing through the release lever. The bearing moves in the direction of the pressure plate, presses on the ends of the petals of the diaphragm spring, and the working surface of the pressure plate moves away from the driven disk. At the same time, the driven disk rotates freely between the flywheel and the working surface of the pressure disk.
Clutch engagement. When the clutch pedal is released, the petals of the diaphragm spring straighten out, and the pressure plate firmly presses the driven disc against the flywheel.
Clutch failure
Starting the car at high engine speeds (slip start) or in 2nd gear wears out the friction linings of the clutch.
If you leave your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, it will wear slowly and permanently. Even the best clutch disc linings will not last long. The habit of keeping the car on the rise with the accelerator and clutch pedals also has a bad effect on the durability of the clutch.
If you always engage 1st gear and keep the clutch pedal depressed when the car is at a red traffic light, this also leads to clutch wear. In this case, a strong load falls on the clutch release bearing and the ends of the petals of the diaphragm spring. Therefore, release the clutch pedal while the prohibitory traffic light is on, and turn on 1st gear to yellow light.