Genuine Mazda 6 Clutch Disc

Mazda 6 Clutch Disc Parts and Q&A

• Disc
  L502-16-460
  Q: What are the features and functions of a Clutch Disc in a manual transaxle clutch system on Mazda 6?

  A:

  Manual transaxle vehicles have one dry plate, diaphragm-spring type of clutch, the splined hub of the pressure plate connecting the clutch disc to the splines of the transaxle input shaft and the clutch and pressure plate held together by the pressure of the diaphragm in the pressure plate. Clutch release works on a hydraulic pressure that comprises of a clutch pedal, master cylinder that has a common reservoir with brake master cylinder, release cylinder and hydraulic line that links these parts. On depressing the clutch pedal, a pushrod exerts hydraulic pressure on the release cylinder, which then forces the release bearing to press the fingers of the diaphragm of the clutch pressure plate. The terminology may be different with common names of components not necessarily being those used by the manufacturer; the driven plate may also be called the clutch plate or disc, the Clutch Release Bearing may be called a throw-out bearing and the release cylinder may be called the slave cylinder. In order to diagnose the clutch issues, the initial examination should involve determining whether the fluid is at the correct level in the master cylinder, whether it needs to be replenished, and checking the hydraulic system in relation to the presence of leakage; in case the master cylinder reservoir is empty, the system will have to be bled, then the clutch issues can be reexamined. Also, spin-down time of the clutch can be checked by running the engine at normal idle speed, select Neutral on the transaxle, disengage the clutch, wait several seconds, and move to Reverse without any grinding noise, which in turn, would point toward a possible problem of the pressure plate or clutch disc. To fully release the clutch, the engine must be running and the parking brake is in place and the clutch pedal is held about 1/2-inch off the floor when changing 1st gear to Reverse and the reverse; to do it roughly indicates that something is amiss. Finally, the pivot bushing on the top of the clutch pedal should be visually inspected to make sure that it does not bind or have excessive play.