SAFARI

CLUTCH

gear under such conditions will avoid such

problem. Always start vehicle in first gear.

2C. OPERATING CONDITIONS

Vehicles operating on shor ter runs, city

operations, off highway and operations in hilly

terrains are obviously subjected to more number

of clutch operations and thereby higher clutch

wear.

3. PRELIMINARY INSPECTION OF CLUTCH

Clutch needs replacement mainly on account of

clutch slippage or imperfect engagement and

disengagement. This may be due to worn out /

damaged clutch parts. It is desirable to carry out

the following preliminary checks before removal

of the clutch for replacement of the parts.

3A. CLUTCH SLIPPAGE TEST

Clutch slippage can be confirmed by any of the

following two methods :

a) Drive the vehicle in 1st or 2nd gear at

maximum speed corresponding to that gear.

With accelerator pedal fully pressed, apply

brake gradually with your left foot. If the

engine stalls, it means that clutch does not

slip.

b) Drive loaded vehicle in 3rd gear on level

ground and let the speed drop down to

approximately 15 kmph / 9 mph. Now press

accelerator pedal fully. With slipping clutch,

the vehicle speed will not pick up and also

clutch burning smell will be noticed. If this

does not occur and vehicle picks up speed,

it indicates that clutch does not slip.

3B. CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT AND

DISENGAGEMENT TEST

During the above test, when vehicle is in motion,

depress clutch pedal fully without changing the

accelerator pedal position. If the engine speed

increases immediately, perfect clutch

disengagement is indicated. Further, release the

clutch pedal suddenly. If the vehicle moves

forward with a little jerk, perfect clutch

engagement is indicated.

Caution

This test should be carried out with utmost care

because sudden release of the clutch might

cause heavy jerk and damage to the clutch lining.

1. CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS

Clutch is the mechanism interposed between

engine and the gear box which enables engine

power as well as torque of the engine to be

transmitted at WILL to the gear box through

friction drive.When clutch pedal is depressed the

clutch is disengaged therefore motion and power

flow from engine to gear box and hence to road

wheels is disconnected.

It is a single disc dry friction type clutch having

228 mm dia. clutch disc. Clutch pressure plate

assembly is diaphragmspring type. Clutch release

actuation is by self centering release bearing

assembled with fork and guided on the drive

shaft cover of the gear box.

2. FACTORS AFFECTING CLUTCH WEAR

The clutch is designed to give maximum life

under most severe conditions when handled

carefully. However, while in operation, clutch

lining is subjected to wear. Apart from this the

extent of wear also depends on following.

2A. PROPER MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of clutch includes adjustment of

pedal stopper bolt, checking oil level and bleeding

the system for defect free operation of clutch

actuation mechanism and periodic lubrication.

2B. DRIVING

Following driving conditions will affect the

performance of the clutch.

i. Clutch riding

Using clutch pedal as a foot rest by keeping foot

constantly on pedal while driving will cause partial

clutch disengagement. It will result in slipping of

the clutch disc and premature failure of the clutch.

ii. Permitting the clutch to slip too long

Half clutch driving and thereby permitting the

clutch purposely to slip too long will have the

same result as above.

iii. Permitting the clutch to jerk

Sudden clutch engagement at higher engine

speed specially while moving out the stuck

vehicle will cause severe instantaneous clutch

loading, resulting in clutch slippage and burning

of the lining locally. Starting the vehicle in first