Dodge Neon 2001 - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH SYSTEM

OPERATION
MECHANICAL
The clutch assembly is designed to transmit power
from the engine to the manual transaxle. This is
accomplished by the friction and clamping force gen-
erated when the spring loaded pressure plate locks
the clutch disc to the flywheel (Fig. 3). The clutch
disc, which is splined to the transaxle input shaft,
transmits power until the center of the diaphragm
spring is depressed, and the clamp force is removed
from the disc.
HYDRAULIC
The clutch hydraulic system is responsible for engag-
ing and disengaging the clutch. Depressing the clutch
pedal develops fluid pressure in the clutch master cyl-
inder. This pressure is transmitted to the slave cylin-
der through a connecting line. In turn, the slave
cylinder operates the clutch release fork (Fig. 2).
Slave cylinder force causes the release lever to hold
the release bearing in contact with the diaphragm
spring. As additional force is applied, the bearing
presses the diaphragm spring fingers inward on the
fulcrums. This action moves the pressure plate rear-
ward, relieving clamp force on the disc.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CLUTCH SYSTEM
Clutch problem diagnosis will generally require a
road test to determine the type of fault. Component
inspection will then determine the problem after road
testing.
Drive the vehicle at normal speeds during road
test. Shift the transaxle through all gear ranges and
observe clutch action. If chatter, grab, slip, or
improper release is experienced, remove and inspect
the clutch components. If the problem is noise or
hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed. The
transaxle or other driveline components may actually
be at fault.
Fig. 2 Clutch Hydraulic System
1 - RESERVOIR
2 - MASTER CYLINDER
3 - CLUTCH PEDAL
4 - ADJUSTMENT SCREW
5 - QUICK CONNECT
6 - SLAVE CYLINDER
7 - FORK
Fig. 3 Clutch Coupling Powerflow - Typical
6s - 2 CLUTCH PL
CLUTCH (Continued)
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2001 NEON