General description of the clutch (Audi 80 B3)

Clutch: single-disc, engaged by a pressure plate with a diaphragm spring, with hydraulic control.

The clutch housing is bolted to the rear surface of the flywheel, the friction disc is located between the pressure plate and the friction surface of the flywheel. The hub of the disc is aligned with the input shaft of the gearbox and moves freely in the grooves. The friction lining of the disc is riveted to each side of the disc, the hub of the disc has springs to absorb shock from the transmission and ensure smooth engagement of the drive.

When the clutch pedal is depressed, the push rod of the slave cylinder moves the release lever forward, and the release bearing presses on the fingers of the diaphragm spring. The center of the spring moves inward, and the outer part of the spring moves outward and releases the pressure plate from the friction disc. This disconnects the connection with the gearbox.

When the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring presses the pressure plate against the linings on the friction disc, while at the same time gently pushing the disc along the grooves of the input shaft into engagement with the flywheel. The friction disc is firmly clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel. This ensures that the drive is engaged.

As the friction disc linings wear, the original position of the pressure plate moves toward the flywheel, away from the diaphragm spring pins. Some adjustment is required on cable-actuated clutches, but no adjustment is required on hydraulic clutch models. The amount of hydraulic fluid in the circuit automatically compensates for wear each time the clutch pedal is depressed.

[The original source of the article can be found on the website: AUDImanual]