Abundance of information about the clutch (Audi A4 B5)

The clutch consists of a friction disc, a pressure plate block, a hydraulic working cylinder, and a release bearing.

All these components are installed in a cast aluminum alloy casing - a bell, making a "sandwich" between the flywheel and the gearbox. The friction disk is installed between the flywheel and the clutch pressure plate and is able to move along the splines of the primary gear of the gearbox. Friction linings are riveted to both sides of the friction disk, the disk hub has built-in springs to dampen torsional vibrations of the transmission when starting off. On all engines except AHL, the flywheel consists of two parts; the friction part of the flywheel has some damped movement relative to the main massive flywheel bolted to the crankshaft heel. This has the effect of smoothing out the initial clutch impact for smoother gear shifting.

When the clutch pedal is pressed, pressure is created in the hydraulic circuit through the piston rod of the clutch cylinder, which, acting on the working cylinder, moves the lever (fork) forward, through the release bearing presses on the diaphragm spring of the clutch. The spring is deformed, and the adhesion force of the pressure plate with the friction disk is weakened, the transfer of engine torque to the primary shaft of the gearbox is disconnected.

When the clutch pedal is released, the reverse process occurs and the friction disc is clamped between the pressure plate and the flywheel. This causes the torque to be transmitted through the splined hub of the friction disc to the primary shaft of the gearbox.

To facilitate pressing the pedal during its working stroke, a servo spring is installed on the pedal. Clutch - with automatic compensation of free fork travel when the friction linings wear out.