ANSWERS: 1
  • A pressure plate is one of the four basic components of any clutch. (The others are the flywheel, friction material and release mechanism.) The pressure plate dictates much of the clutch's torque capacity.

    Location

    The pressure plate is located behind the friction surface, and is the portion of the clutch closest to the transmission.

    Purpose

    A pressure plate is designed to evenly apply force to the back of the clutch's friction surface, pushing it into the flywheel for transmission engagement.

    Function

    A pressure plate has a set of spring levers set into its outer perimeter, and facing toward its center. These levers are secured to the pressure plate, and are angled toward the front of the vehicle to apply pressure to the friction surface.

    Disengagement

    The clutch's engagement linkage (mechanical, hydraulic or electrical) pushes back against the spring levers to disengage the clutch when the pedal is depressed.

    Strength

    A stronger pressure plate allows greater amounts of power to be transmitted from the engine to the transmission, but makes for a clutch pedal that requires more strength to push.

    Source:

    Repairpal.com: Clutch Assembly FAQ

    Patent Docs: Pressure Plate Assembly

    Cernterforce: Pressure Plate FAQ

    Resource:

    Pressure Plate (Picture)

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