In a vehicle, the mechanism that transmits the power developed by the engine to the wheels and/or tracks and accessory equipment is called the power train. In a simple application, a set of gears or a chain and sprocket could perform this task. However, auto motive and construction equipment are not designed for such simple operating conditions. They are designed to provide pulling power, to move at high speeds, to travel in reverse as well as forward, and to operate on rough terrain as well as smooth roads. To meet these varying conditions, vehicle power trains are equipped with a variety of components. This chapter discusses the basic automotive clutch, transmissions (manual and automatic), and transaxles (manual and automatic).

Introduction to Clutch

Clutch is used to engage or disengage the engine to the transmission or gear box. When the clutch is in engaged position, the engine power or rotary motion of engine crankshaft is transmitted to gear box and then to wheels. When clutch is disengaged, the engine power does not reach to gear box (and to wheels) although engine is running Clutch Parts.

Clutches allow a high inertia load to be stated with a small power. A popularly known application of clutch is in automotive vehicles where it is used to connect the engine and the gear box. Here the clutch enables to crank and start the engine disengaging the transmission Disengage the transmission and change the gear to alter the torque on the wheels. Clutches are also used extensively in production machinery of all typesClutch is also used to allow shifting or changing of gears when vehicle is running. For shifting gears, clutch is first disengaged then gear is shifted and then clutch is engaged. Clutch has to be disengaged to stop the vehicle and also at the time of idling.

Principle of Clutch

Clutches allow a high inertia load to be stated with a small power. A popularly known application of clutch is in automotive vehicles where it is used to connect the engine and the gear box. Here the clutch enables to crank and start the engine disengaging the transmission Disengage the transmission and change the gear to alter the torque on the wheels. Clutches are also used extensively in production machinery of all typesClutch is also used to allow shifting or changing of gears when vehicle is running. For shifting gears, clutch is first disengaged then gear is shifted and then clutch is engaged. Clutch has to be disengaged to stop the vehicle and also at the time of idling.

Types of Clutch

• Friction Clutch 
• Centrifugal Clutch
• Semi-centrifugal Clutch
• Hydraulic Clutch
• Positive Clutch
• Vacuum Clutch
• Electromagnetic Clutch