During operation, clutch maintenance is not required: during operation, the worn parts of the linings are leveled themselves. The clutch disc must be replaced after about 100,000 km, but this largely depends on the vehicle's load conditions.
Pic. 3.1. Clutch components
Depending on the engine model and gearbox type, the clutch design may vary slightly (pic. 3.1).
Flywheel
The flywheel is rigidly connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The dual-mass flywheel, with the help of a spring-damper system, ensures maximum damping of torsional vibrations.
Driven and pressure discs
The driven disk is mounted on the input shaft of the gearbox. On both sides, pads are riveted to it.
The pressure plate is rigidly connected to the flywheel through the diaphragm spring and the clutch cover. The pressure plate is used to press the driven disc against the flywheel. The surface of the pressure plate is treated with an anti-corrosion compound. When cleaning the pressure plate, only its working surface should be treated - this way you will extend the life of the clutch.
Clutch Release Bearing
The clutch release bearing ensures that the driven disk is released from the driving disk when the clutch pedal is pressed.
Bleeding the hydraulic clutch release
Any hydraulic system works normally if air is removed from it.
Attention! Be careful not to spill clutch fluid on painted surfaces. If this happens, immediately wash off the liquid with water.
Note. Do not mix different brands of clutch fluids.
Note. Do not reuse drained clutch fluid.
When bleeding, add only clean fluid recommended by the manufacturer. Never reuse fluid leaked from the hydraulic clutch release.
If fluids of different brands are accidentally mixed in the hydraulic system, remove the fluid from it, flush it with clean fluid of the required brand and install new o-rings.
Pic. 3.2. Bleeding the hydraulic clutch release actuator: 1 - transparent tube; 2 - ring key; 3 - glass vessel with brake fluid; 4 - working cylinder
In case of constant fluid leakage from the hydraulic drive or air entering it, determine the cause and location of the leak, repair the damage (pic. 3.2).
Before bleeding, remove the clutch reservoir cap.
Suck out the liquid from the tank with a suction pump.
Remove the cover of the union to remove air from the clutch slave cylinder and put a vinyl hose on the union.
Place the other end of the vinyl hose into a container.
Move the clutch pedal slowly several times.
With the clutch pedal depressed, unscrew the fitting using a special tool to release the fluid.
Tighten the bleed screw to stop fluid from escaping.
Again, repeat the pumping procedure several times until only clear liquid comes out of the tube.
Tighten the bleed screw.
Add fluid to the reservoir up to the MAX mark.
Install the cover.
Check the correct operation of the clutch.
Clutch disengagement test
If you hear noise and squealing when disengaging the clutch, then the clutch disengages abnormally. Test with reverse gear as it is not equipped with synchromesh:
- set the engine idle mode;
- press the clutch pedal all the way down and wait 3 s;
- engage reverse gear. If noises are heard, then the driven disk is not completely freed. Therefore, the clutch is faulty.
In this case, check the elements of the hydraulic clutch drive. It is possible that air has entered the system. Also check the tightness of all hydraulic connections.