MC’S AutoFactors carry an extensive stock of clutch kits for all Ford vehicle models. So if you are looking for a clutch kit for your Ford please call our parts hotline at (01) 408 9042 today for the best value available anywhere, plus next day express delivery of your Ford clutch kit to any destination throughout Ireland.
What is a Clutch?
The main function of your vehicle’s clutch is to manage the engagement between the engine and the vehicle’s wheels. The clutch permits the smooth engagement of the spinning engine to a non-spinning transmission by controlling the slippage between them. It allows a car to stop without killing the engine by disconnecting the wheels from the engine.
A clutch works due to the friction between a clutch plate and a flywheel. As the clutch pedal is pressed, a cable or hydraulic piston pushes on the release fork, which presses the throw-out bearing against the middle of the diaphragm spring. When the middle of the diaphragm spring is pushed in, a series of pins near the outside of the spring causes the spring to pull the pressure plate away from the clutch disc. This releases the vehicle’s clutch from the spinning engine.
Problems With the Clutch Kit
Modern clutches can last for more than 80,000 miles if they are used gently and are maintained. Trucks and vans that are regularly overloaded or that frequently pull very heavy loads can also have problems with relatively new clutches.
The most common problem with a car or van’s clutch is that the friction material on the disc becomes eroded or wears out. The friction material on a clutch disc is quite similar to the friction material on the pads of a disc brake and eventually it will wear away. When most or all of the friction material is gone the clutch will begin to slip. In the end it won’t transmit any power at all from the engine to the wheels.
It’s only when the clutch disc is slipping against the flywheel that wear and tear occurs. This occurs because the clutch disc and the flywheel are spinning at different speeds. When they are locked together there is no wear. For this reason excessive use of the clutch will make it wear out a lot quicker.
If your clutch sticks or won’t release properly, it will continue to turn the input shaft. This may cause grinding, or it may completely prevent your car from going into gear. The following are just some of the reasons that a clutch may stick:
- Broken or stretched clutch cable – The cable needs the right amount of tension to push and pull effectively.
- Leaky or defective slave and/or master clutch cylinders – Leaks keep the cylinders from building the necessary amount of pressure.
- Air in the hydraulic line – Air affects the hydraulics by taking up space the fluid needs to build pressure.
- Mis-adjusted linkage – When your foot hits the pedal the linkage transmits the wrong amount of force.
A hard clutch is also a regular difficulty with clutches. Every clutch needs a degree of force to depress fully. If you find that you have to press hard on the clutch pedal it is likely that you have this problem. Sticking or binding in the pedal linkage, cable, cross shaft, or pivot ball are some of the most common causes of a hard clutch. Occasionally a blockage, or worn seals in the hydraulic system, may cause this problem also.
A further problem that is common with clutches is a worn throw-out bearing or clutch release bearing. This bearing applies force to the projections of the spinning pressure plate to release the clutch. If you hear a rumbling sound when your clutch engages you may have a problem with the throw-out.
If you need to order a replacement Ford clutch kit please contact MC’s today.