Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 2629

forces exerted by the clutch pressure plate and the flywheel on the facings. These factors limit
the amount of torque that can be transmitted without slippage.
The clamping force is obtained from a diaphragm spring contained within the clutch pressure
plate assembly. This force is developed during the attachment of the clutch pressure plate
assembly to the flywheel.
The clutch system is disengaged when the clutch pedal is pressed and is accomplished when
the release fingers are fully displaced toward the flywheel. This displacement removes the
spring load from the clutch pressure plate and eliminates the coupling friction between the
engine and the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is depressed a cable connected to the clutch release lever, hub and
bearing actuates the clutch pressure plate diaphragm spring, releasing pressure on the clutch
disc. This eliminates the engagement between the transmission and the engine.