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Clutch Disc

Circular-shaped component, with a friction facing on each side, that transfers power from the flywheel and pressure plate to the splined clutch shaft.

Clutch Drum

A component of a clutch assembly that usually houses the clutch discs and pressure plate. A band often closes around the outside diameter of a clutch drum.

Clutch Field

A unit consisting of many windings of wire fastened to the front of the air-conditioner compressor. When current is applied, a magnetic field is set up that pulls the armature in to engage the clutch. Also known as clutch coil

Clutch Fork

A lever in the clutch that actuates the release bearing.

Clutch Gear

A gear or gears found on the clutch shaft.

Clutch Housing

Cast-iron or aluminum shell that surrounds the clutch assembly located between the engine and transmission.

Clutch Hub

A special hub used in certain limited slip-differential applications, such as single-pack types located between the splined discs and side gear.

Clutch Off

To get a fast start by engaging the clutch suddenly, such as at the start of a drag race.

Clutch Packs

A series of clutch discs and plates, installed alternately in the clutch housing, to act as a driving or driven unit of a multi-disc clutch.

Clutch Pedal

A pivoting component inside the vehicle that the driver depresses with his/her foot to operate the clutch.

Clutch Piston

An assembly in the multiple-disc clutch drum that is moved by oil pressure to engage he clutch and returned to a released position by mechanical-spring force.

Clutch Plate

1. A pressure plate that forces the clutch disc against the flywheel. 2. A term often used for clutch armature. 3. A generic term for the friction and steel discs used in a multiple-disc clutch.

Clutch Rotor

That freewheeling portion of the air-conditioning system clutch, in which the drive belt rides, that mates to the armature when power is applied to the coil.

Clutch Shaft

The main shaft on which the clutch is assembled.

Clutch Slippage

A term given to the condition when, although engine speed is increased, increased torque is not transferred through to the driving wheels.

Clutch-control Unit

A computer that controls clutch operation.

Clutch-cycle Pressure Switch

A pressure activated switch that controls the air-conditioner-compressor clutch action to prevent evaporator icing.

Clutch-cycle Switch

An electrical switch, pressure or temperature actuated, that cuts off the air conditioning compressor at a predetermined evaporator temperature.

Clutch-cycle Time (total)

The time between when an air-conditioner clutch engages and when it disengages, then re-engages; a time equal to one on and one off cycle.

Clutch-release Bearing

A component, attached to the clutch-release fork, that contacts and then moves the release levers when the clutch pedal is depressed.