The clutch assembly is a vital part of any vehicle’s transmission system, connecting and disconnecting the engine to the gearbox. Within the clutch assembly, bearings play an important role in providing smooth operation and longevity.
How The Clutch Assembly Works
The clutch assembly normally contains some important components below:
- The clutch disc – With friction material on both sides that engages and disengages.
- The pressure plate – Pushes the clutch disc against the flywheel.
- The release bearing – Holds the pressure plate away from the clutch disc when the pedal is pressed.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the release bearing pushes the pressure plate away from the clutch disc to disconnect the engine from the gearbox. This allows for gear changes. When the pedal is released, the pressure plate engages the clutch disc to transmit engine power to the wheels.
The Role Of Bearings In The Clutch Assembly
The release bearing within the clutch assembly allows for this clutch actuation by:
- Supporting the release fork – The bearing sits inside the release fork which pushes the pressure plate.
- Rotating freely – The bearing rotates to allow movement of the pressure plate and clutch disc.
- Withstanding clutch engagement loads – The bearing must handle the forces when the clutch engages.
Release bearings are critical for smooth, consistent clutch performance with minimal drag and noise. Poor quality bearings can cause premature clutch wear, noise, harder shifting and eventual clutch failure.
Quality Considerations For Russian Market
For cars sold in the Russian market, look for Russian market clutch assembly bearings that are:
- Rated for high loads – To withstand the forces within a vehicle’s clutch system.
- Formulated for harsh conditions – With additives for resilience in extreme cold and hot temperatures.
- Compatible with synthetics – Many Russian car owners now use synthetic lubricants.
- Suitable for high mileage use – Longer lifespans of 100,000 km or more.
- Coated for corrosion resistance – Protection against road salts and other contaminants.
- Produced from reputable brands – To ensure consistent quality and performance.
