Hydraulic Clutch Linkage; Diagnosis And Testing Safety Precautions; Usage; Clutch Diagnostic Information - Jeep cherokee 2000 Service Manual

6 - 4 CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINKAGE

DESCRIPTION
The hydraulic linkage consists of a clutch master
cylinder with integral reservoir, a clutch slave cylin-
der and an interconnecting fluid line (Fig. 7).
The clutch master cylinder push rod is connected to
the clutch pedal. The slave cylinder push rod is con-
nected to the clutch release fork. The master cylinder is
mounted on the driver side of the dash panel adjacent
to the brake master cylinder and booster assembly.
Fig. 7 Clutch Master Cylinder
1 – CAP
2 – FILL LINE
3 – CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
4 – RESERVOIR
OPERATION
The clutch linkage uses hydraulic pressure to oper-
ate the clutch. Depressing the clutch pedal develops
fluid pressure in the clutch master cylinder. This
pressure is transmitted to the slave cylinder through
a connecting line. In turn, the slave cylinder operates
the clutch release lever.
Slave cylinder force causes the release lever to
move the release bearing into contact with the dia-
phragm spring. As additional force is applied, the
bearing presses the diaphragm spring fingers inward
on the fulcrums. This action moves the pressure
plate rearward relieving clamp force on the disc.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: EXERCISE
CLUTCH COMPONENTS.
CLUTCH DISCS DO NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS
FIBERS. DUST AND DIRT ON CLUTCH PARTS MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM AFTERMARKET
CARE WHEN SERVICING
FACTORY INSTALLED
COMPONENTS. BREATHING EXCESSIVE CONCEN-
TRATIONS OF THESE FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS
BODILY HARM. WEAR A RESPIRATOR DURING SER-
VICE AND NEVER CLEAN CLUTCH COMPONENTS
WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR WITH A DRY BRUSH.
EITHER CLEAN THE COMPONENTS WITH A WATER
DAMPENED RAGS OR USE A VACUUM CLEANER
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR REMOVING ASBES-
TOS FIBERS AND DUST. DO NOT CREATE DUST BY
SANDING A CLUTCH DISC. REPLACE THE DISC IF
THE FRICTION MATERIAL IS DAMAGED OR CON-
TAMINATED. DISPOSE OF ALL DUST AND DIRT CON-
TAINING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN SEALED BAGS OR
CONTAINERS. THIS WILL HELP MINIMIZE EXPOSURE
TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS. FOLLOW ALL REC-
OMMENDED SAFETY PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMIN-
ISTRATION (OSHA) AND
SAFETY AGENCY (EPA), FOR THE HANDLING AND
DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASBESTOS.
INSTALLATION METHODS AND PARTS USAGE
Distortion of clutch components during installation
and the use of non-standard components are common
causes of clutch malfunction.
Improper clutch cover bolt tightening can distort
the cover. The usual result is clutch grab, chatter
and rapid wear. Tighten the cover bolts as described
in Removal and Installation section.
An improperly seated flywheel and/or clutch hous-
ing are additional causes of clutch failure. Improper
seating will produce misalignment and additional
clutch problems.
The use of non-standard or low quality parts will
also lead to problems and wear. Use recommended
factory quality parts to avoid comebacks.
A cocked pilot bearing is another cause of clutch
noise, drag, hard shifting, and rapid bearing wear.
Always use an alignment tool to install a new bear-
ing. This practice helps avoid cocking the bearing
during installation.

CLUTCH DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION

Unless the cause of a clutch problem is obvious, accu-
rate problem diagnosis will usually require a road test to
confirm a problem. Component inspection (Fig. 8) will
then be required to determine the actual problem cause.
During a road test, drive the vehicle at normal
speeds. Shift the transmission through all gear
ranges and observe clutch action. If chatter, grab,
slip, or improper release is experienced, remove and
inspect the clutch components. However, if the prob-
lem is noise or hard shifting, further diagnosis may
be needed as the transmission or another driveline
component may be at fault. Careful observation dur-
ing the test will help narrow the problem area.
XJ
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