Clutch; Operation; Diagnosis And Testing; Clutch System - Chrysler 2005 Crossfire SRT6 Service Manual

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CLUTCH

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OPERATION

The clutch operates with leverage, clamping force, and friction. The disc serves as the friction element, the dia-
phragm-style clutch cover provides the clamping force. The clutch pedal, hydraulic linkage, and the release bearing
provide the leverage.
A shared reservoir for the brake system and clutch system is mounted to the dash panel. The clutch master cylinder
push rod is connected to the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the slave cylinder is operated by the
clutch master cylinder mounted on the pedal assembly. The release bearing then depresses the clutch cover spring
fingers, thereby releasing pressure on the clutch disc and allowing the engine crankshaft to spin independently of
the transmission input shaft.
WARNING
WARNING: EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING CLUTCH COMPONENTS. FACTORY INSTALLED CLUTCH
DISCS DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS. DUST AND DIRT ON CLUTCH PARTS MAY CONTAIN ASBES-
TOS FIBERS FROM AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF THESE
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM. WEAR A RESPIRATOR DURING SERVICE AND NEVER
CLEAN CLUTCH COMPONENTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR WITH A DRY BRUSH. EITHER CLEAN THE
COMPONENTS WITH A WATER DAMPENED RAG OR USE A VACUUM CLEANER SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
FOR REMOVING ASBESTOS FIBERS AND DUST. DO NOT CREATE DUST BY SANDING A CLUTCH DISC.
REPLACE THE DISC IF THE FRICTION MATERIAL IS DAMAGED OR CONTAMINATED. DISPOSE OF ALL
DUST AND DIRT CONTAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN SEALED BAGS OR CONTAINERS. THIS WILL HELP
MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS. FOLLOW ALL RECOMMENDED SAFETY PRAC-
TICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) AND THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA), FOR THE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTS CON-
TAINING ASBESTOS.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

CLUTCH SYSTEM

Drive the vehicle at normal speeds. Shift the transmission through all gear ranges and observe clutch action. If the
clutch chatters, grabs, slips or does not release properly, remove and inspect the clutch components. If the problem
is noise or hard shifting, further diagnosis may be needed as the transmission or another driveline component may
be at fault.
CLUTCH CONTAMINATION
Fluid contamination is a frequent cause of clutch malfunctions. Oil, water or hydraulic clutch fluid on the clutch disc
and pressure plate surfaces will cause chatter, slip and grab. Inspect components for oil, hydraulic fluid or water/
road splash contamination.
Oil contamination indicates a leak at either the rear main seal or transmission input shaft. Hydraulic clutch fluid
leaks are usually from damaged slave cylinder seals. Heat buildup caused by slippage between the clutch cover,
disc and flywheel can bake the oil residue onto the components. The glaze-like residue ranges in color from amber
to black.
Road splash contamination is dirt/water entering the clutch housing due to loose bolts, housing cracks. Driving
through deep water puddles can force water/road splash into the housing through such openings.
IMPROPER RELEASE OR IMPROPER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT
Clutch release or engagement problems are caused by wear or damaged clutch components. A visual inspection of
the release components will usually reveal the problem component.
Release problems can result in hard shifting and noise. Look for leaks at the clutch hydraulic cylinders and inter-
connecting line. Also worn/loose clutch disc, clutch cover or release bearing.
Engagement problems can result in slip, chatter/shudder and noisy operation. The causes may be clutch disc con-
tamination, wear, distortion or flywheel damage. Visually inspect to determine the actual cause of the problem.