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The clutch allows you to connect and disconnect the engine and the
transmission, both starting up and during shifts. Friction plates
route the rotation of the engine crankshaft to the gears, and then to
the wheels. It takes the rotation up slowly, so that you aren't off
to a screeching start. In a manual transmission, you disengage the
clutch when you press the pedal down. The pedal works the thrust pad,
and it presses levers in the middle of the clutch cover. Doing all
this lifts the pressure plate away from the clutch plate. The
flywheel (which is turned by the crankshaft from the transmission
shaft) gets disconnected.
When you lift the clutch pedal, springs force the pressure plate and
clutch plate against the flywheel. The clutch plate friction linings
allow it to slide before becoming engaged. The sliding causes a
smooth start instead of a jolt.
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