Learn How a Clutch Works - Basic Clutch Operation and Tips

Paul Cangialosi discusses basic automotive clutch operation and design and shows you some of his tips and insight.
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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between GearBoxVideo (Paul Cangialosi) and you. Every situation may be different, and GearBoxVideo does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. GearBoxVideo and any sponsors or manufacturers of parts that may appear in this video or any of the channel's content will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@gtweak7]

As a non-mechanic, I appreciate you reverse-engineer a clutch to demonstrate how it works, and what common problems can be. I particularly liked the part where you disassembled the riveted plate to see the importance of those springs. Thank you for your time and efforts.

[@truckcaretv8649]

Good 👍

[@rickreed]

This is one of the most informative videos I've seen on KZbin. Not only did you explain the basics, but you took it the next level explaining the springs and the dampening.

[@detectiveareafour3030]

I have recommended this channel to so many people. This man takes a complex set of things and breaks it down for the less experienced person can gain a real working knowledge of what’s going on in a transmission. Thank you.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Appreciate that. Thanks for watching.

[@CycloneJack]

Jesus Christ, thank you! I search for almost an hour on youtube to try to find a good explanation of how a clutch works and yours was the only video that provides an explanation that someone like me (who's not mechanically inclined) can understand. Thank you again!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks.... please share the vid!

[@kelvinjjemba9975]

Thank

[@nedbenfield2527]

I learned a bunch watching this video. Am 71 and I remember shifting those gears and popping those clutches back as a teen in the sixties while making those cars bark and smokin' tires was a daily part of life. Now I know the science behind the experience. You are an excellent teacher! Enjoyed the video.

[@ninacroftchannel]

Dear sir: 1) I'm a woman and absolute, hopeless and helpless newbie when it comes to cars and car mechanics 2) I'm from Eastern Europe and English is my third foreign language. That being said: I understood your video perfectly and now I am a little bit better driver who FINALLY understands how the darn thing works :) THANK YOU! Who knows how many lives you saved by this video! Shout out from Eastern Europe and keep up the good work!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you so much!

[@annitmul1614]

wish u all ze best

[@rayers1000]

oh my gosh, dude. so many questions ive had for YEARS (i learn everything on my own) finally answered. i dont think any videos before youre adequately got into how all these parts actually work together. You finally scratched the itch and answered the questions. thank you so much, sir. It finally makes sense to me!!!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you. Please subscribe to my channel

[@Tomara632]

I've wasted a lot of money on rubbish car instructors who taught me nothing about nothing. I've learnt more from you. Thanks for keeping and showing us the old Ferrari clutches. You really know your stuff. Look forward to watching more if your videos.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@michaeldunagan7838]

Wow! I love all the theory explains such as harmonics relative to numbers of cylinders. An automotive semester on clutches learned in 17 minutes. Thank you.

[@admantiom1848]

The only video on KZbin that explains in simple terms how a manual transmission/clutch works. Long live GrarBoxVideo👍

[@ferejidris6690]

Nice 👍 job

[@ferejidris6690]

Hi

[@capeman10]

It only took me 8 years to find this excellent tutorial on clutch nomenclature. Let's see what I find in the next 8 years. Thank you for the information.

[@95TurboSol]

This guy knows his stuff! Great teacher too.

[@GearBoxVideo]

95TurboSol Thanks a bunch!

[@VictorDunkle]

I thought I would never learn how this worked. Thank you for the hands on detailed approach.

[@arkady714]

I've been driving standard transmissions all my life and never really knew the mechanics of a clutch. Thanks for the vid.

[@franciscodesouzarauto9502]

This is a very good explanation, with very appropriate mechanical parts. Thanks a lot, very helpful.

[@uponthemesa]

WoW, I replaced my clutch in an AX-15 3 times, OReilly swears it was that right one. It measured about 1/4 short. Its his first car and the info you provided was priceless. Sure wish you would do a video on an AX-15. Thank you so much.

[@thembilehlophe7868]

Thank you so much..I'm a marine engineer so when i went for my oral exams i couldn't explain how a pneumatic Hydraulic clutch for a schottel works, and they said i should just explain how a car clutch workss....i was even more lost and i failed my exams...come next time I'll be ready!! Thank you

[@anthonymurphy34]

After adjusting the shifter linkage to factory specifications, reducing the play in the clutch pedal so that the release bearing makes firmer contact with the pressure plate diaphragm fingers to disengage the clutch disc and renewing the transmission fluid with Pennzoil Synchromesh my A833 works like a dream. So I got to thank you Paul for this fantastic tutorial because man does it feel good to fix it yourself, feels awesome.

[@GearBoxVideo]

That's what it is all about! Thank you.

[@anjel1506]

Anthony Murphy where is the speedometer sensor for a volvo 2000 v40 4.0

[@anjel1506]

GearBoxVideo where is the speedometer sensor for a volvo 2000 v40 4.0

[@fgaryam]

Question. With the firmer contact of the release bearing with the diaphragm fingers, is the release bearing turning whenever the car is moving (whenever the clutch is engaged) (whenever your foot is off the clutch) and you are driving down the road. If so, how long will the release bearing last?

[@timbarker5663]

Thank you very much! This video was incredibly helpful! I'm working on a clutch now and noticed it wasn't worn down terribly but I wasn't getting clutch release. Now I know why. People like you make the world a better place. I hope you continue with the videos. Thank you!!

[@fatboyhd2k]

As a 20 year centrifugal chiller mechanic, I never understood the spring in the clutch disk, thanks to you video now I understand. I subscribe to channels only if they're useful and your video is awesome....THANKS!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Appreciate that

[@TheRebuilt1]

One of the best explanations of the drivetrain function for the novice to the experienced. Sometimes techs now how to replace parts very well but now idea how it actually works. Chapeau to you sire for taking time out of your busy day to upload.

[@blakethompson8022]

these videos are priceless. in this wasteful day and age, the knowledge gained to help understand, troubleshoot, and potentially repair your vehicle from Paul is invaluable. Thank you sir!

[@mentalasylum3969]

I really liked the detailed description on the construction of the clutch disc itself. Thanks for a great video

[@cybervirgin96]

I'm a mechanic student and I learn about clutches. I already know how it works, but I came for the tips. Great video, one of the best I've ever seen. Simple and to the point

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you. Please share

[@cybervirgin96]

@@GearBoxVideo Definetly will!

[@yosoydpfknr2855]

This gentleman is an expert, I can stay all day long listening what's he's explaining.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@nhaminh91]

A nerd like me can understand how clutch work by watching this, thank you so much!

[@robertbowers7345]

Amazing video. Finishing up a transmission swap in my 66 mustang and seeing more in depth how each piece really works was invaluable!

[@jaimeantonio6533]

No better video has been posted since 2014. I've been searching for a solid explanation of clutch chatter for a month and finally came across this video. Thank you!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Appreciate it

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

8:35 finally ! Someone explains it. This video is a goldmine of information. Gold Standard must-watch video.

[@RAHULSHAH-jg1wj]

Finally, i just got the real and full explanation of clutch. Thank you so much for this!

[@MonkeyBoyDrinksVat69]

Just the info I was looking for. It was one of those things I couldn't get my head around, what goes where and why/how. I finally get the physics of how all the parts work, thank you.

[@balloney2175]

At 66, I am curious of enrolling on Auto-repair course because of this video. It inspired me. Thanks!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Never to late

[@gwynt909]

I learnt a lot about clutches a few years ago. I drove a 1983 daihatsu charade and could not get a daihatsu clutch set for love of money so had to contend with a LUK clutch. Within a year the clutch collapsed catastrophically. After replacing the clutch 3 times in 3 years i found a daihatsu clutch. It turned out that the LUK thrust bearing was not the right size and caused too much pressure on the plate and it would cause the diaphragm to collapse. The daihatsu clutch lasted 10 years!!!!! Thank you for the reminder of how they work.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Often overlooked on replacement clutches is finger height. So what happened is the diaphragm was being over-centered causing early failure. Since you have no release bearing travel adjustment

[@YouKraine1]

You are a great teacher! I just ordered your Muncie DVD book combo yesterday and after watching this I am even more excited than I already was to receive it. You have a great way of engaging the viewer and explaining things. I learned a lot.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks for the great compliments and thanks for purchasing the book and DVD.

[@vanessahom1928]

Excellent video! Taught two of my three sons how to drive manual, this video helped them understand the mechanics and made the experience less painful for me. 😉thanks!

[@robkatz2169]

Wow, I have been driving manuals for 30+ years and finally understand exactly how the clutch actually works. Thank You. the way you have explained it with the visual really makes it seem a lot more easier to understand.

[@1967lathrop]

To think we had a whole 2weeks in auto school back in the 80s and you explain it in a few minutes. Needles to say I just started to work in auto shops and learned much more faster. Nice content.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Keep watching. More good stuff coming

[@GearBoxVideo]

I just eliminated yet another comment comparing a squeak my chair makes to flatulence. While we all enjoy a little sophomoric humor on occasion, this is an educational channel, and I prefer to keep the comments more Q & A focused. If you are looking for something more bathroom-humor oriented, perhaps Pewdiepie? Thanks for your cooperation.

[@steele174]

GearBoxVideo great video explaining things in detail people can really learn from this

[@ramprasadaryal7166]

GearBoxVideo 9

[@djangoando2248]

Hi, i'm from Argentina and just want to say THANKS, your explanations are so detail that makes me understand much better how it work. The knowledge is something precious and you give us so much, thanks (sorry for my english i need more practice)

[@ApartmentKing66]

No problem, Django...your command of English is actually pretty good considering it's not your primary language...no apology necessary.

[@margaritaanarodriguezsanch7317]

+wannawatchu66 kkekjiei

[@richmac918]

Great video Paul. I do a lot of my own car repair work but transmissions are something that I've never had the opportunity to work on. Even though I had a basic understanding of how a clutch works I have a much better understanding of it now because of your video.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@James_Musnicki]

I'm going on my second year of successfully driving my TKO-600 (in my 67 7.0L fastback grocery getter) after watching your video on how to take it apart, service it, and put it back together. I've always wondered what purpose those springs served in the clutch disc. And now I know! Thank you for this video!

[@jackmack1061]

My son is now learning to drive . I said he should learn how the clutch works than I lucked into this channel. Excellent vid. thanks.

[@bryanjohnston9879]

This has to be one of the best automotive educational videos I've ever seen. It's clear you understand the science and physics behind clutch technology and are able to relate it to a novice like me. Great stuff. When I get done watching this I'll be looking to see if you have any automatic trans videos. Thanks GBV!

[@darthnihilus511]

God I love listening to this guy, makes me feel like I'm home!

[@johnnyfingersandthumbs9809]

Never to old the finer details as to what really goes on out of view. Thanks a million.

[@Luapsalta2]

One of the best basic videos I have come across. I was looking for a video to show my grandson how a clutch works so I can teach him how to drive a standard transmission. when I was a kid (100 years ag) everybody learned on a standard. I think it helps to see how a clutch operates in order to learn how to use it.

[@boldorboy08]

Very informative. I wasn’t aware that the pilot bushing could grab the input shaft that way. Cheers.

[@GearBoxVideo]

We only use oil impregnated bushings. Never a roller

[@tonymartin6508]

@@GearBoxVideo What is acceptable clearance on the diameter of pilot shaft to bushing ID? Is .010" too much (for an oil lite bushing)?

[@nizartiger741]

Thank you very much sir.for the good explanation and for good illustrating the ideas for each part of the clutch assembly. Accept my regards from Iraq.

[@aaronwilliams6165]

This is the best video I have found on KZbin in the last three months that explains the actual workings of the transmission and clutch flywheel function and how things can occur do to user input that will cause issues with your vehicle operating they way we all want. Thank you

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@curtbrowning1390]

Great instruction Paul, you saved me time and money. I did a clutch replacement years ago on my back in the garage WITHOUT a spline indexing tool. THAT took a while with 90 pounds of Muncie layin on my chest. Fast fwd to today, I had forgotten some of the critical steps but now I'm up to date with your help.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks Paul. Fantastic explanation especially the clutch hub dissection. I'd never seen that. Bravissimo!

[@GearBoxVideo]

+Mario Dalla Riva Thanks for watching!

[@EgyptianSurgeons]

What a great video indeed. Thanks

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@kurtnarinesigh4093]

Egyptian Surgeons

[@carloscortez6135]

Egyptian Surgeons chistes

[@ronnyvansanten]

good explanation

[@nikhilmudholkar2769]

Thanks a lot. None of the other youtube videos and animation actually explain how a clutch works. Your video was seriously a great help

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks for watching.

[@unclequack5445]

No kidding, He really makes it easy for even those that have never done any automotive work. Good one Paul.

[@mosesgreat6457]

Very nicely explained!! Got a clear picture in my head after looking at the video ! You really know what you are talking about!

[@alcarpuk]

10/10 for information. Really liked the info on the lightweight flywheel! Keep it up

[@glennwmurphy1]

BEEN WORKING ON CARS MY WHOLE LIFE, LEARNED FROM BOOKS. LOTS OF WHAT I READ WAS HARD TO UNDERSTAND FROM DRAWINGS. YOU ARE GIVING ME MY "PHD" IN MECHANICS, FOR WHICH I AM REALLY GRATEFUL. I HAVE ALWAYS DONE ALL THE WORK ON MY FAMILY'S CARS BECAUSE I OWNED AND RAN A FOREIGN CAR SHOP IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES. MY PARTNER AND I GREW-UP ON SPORTS CARS IN CA., AND WERE AMAZED AT HOW SHOPS RIPPED-OFF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WOMEN, WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLES ABOVE ALL ELSE, BECAUSE THEY HAUL KIDS-THEIR OWN AND THOSE OF FRIENDS. WE DID SO WELL JUST RUNNING AN HONEST SHOP, IT WAS RIDICULOUS.

[@Tagukon]

Great, you shed more light on how Scotty Kilmer's video on how to change the clutch: which side goes to the flywheel and which side goes toward the gearbox; the importance of the bearing; and the alignment of the transmission shaft to the clutch. Thank you sir.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Who is this Scotty person? I'm not aware of that video

[@jonathanmorand8893]

oooooooooh that song at the beginning shows you have good taste for music.

[@kurts7268]

Rammstein 🤟🏻

[@vdog4799]

@@kurts7268 is that who that is? Awsome! If you tell me what song you can save me a ton of video searching😁

[@bringer-of-change]

I liked the pinch harmonic over the electronic stuff. Like techno metal.

[@matheomatheo3653]

Very descriptive explanation. Thanks for sharing God bless you.

[@VoodooDon]

Found you through ETCG, and the T5 rebuild You are the man! I have understood the basics for a while but your the first person i've seen who can explain a total teardown and rebuild of a manual and it all make sense and i'm still awake when its done.

[@GearBoxVideo]

+Don Shelnutt Nice to know!

[@leewaken5059]

That was an excellent description of the workings of a clutch. For whatever reason I have always been dumbfounded about the springs on the clutch plate. I knew they were there to dampen clutch action but until I saw it dismanteled without the springs, I just could not grasp how it all worked. Very simple. Thank you very much for the time you spent in your explanation.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks for watching!

[@_i-kr6eg]

Love the Rammstein intro

[@PrimeministerAus]

The springs always had me confused on the plate itself, no longer! Cheers!

[@yosoydpfknr2855]

This gentleman deserves way more views. This channel it's kinda underrated when it should have at least 500k subscribers

[@GearBoxVideo]

Spread the word. Thank you. Share my videos

[@bbeck104]

Very informative and very demonstrative. Many people looking for this kind of information understand better when they're being shown how it works versus being told how it's supposedly works. Thanks for the great video

[@AndrewHeinrich1612]

Love your channel, and of course the Rammstein intro music!

[@artemiasalina1860]

What a great video! Much more than I was expecting to learn, and those old Ferrari components were really cool to see!

[@GearBoxVideo]

+ArtemiaSalina Thanks a bunch for watching.

[@fixumnet]

i watched 1000 videos that how clutch work. and this is my last one. ended i understand clearly now. thanks so much.

[@TrongNguyen-uu7be]

I randomly picked this video and realized that it was amazing. Thank u so much, sir!!

[@kittypigeonclueless5566]

"...Hope you like it," Paul says. "Of course we're gunna like it!" I'd rather watch Paul talk about gears and clutches and rear ends than the Superbowl.

[@dannychuqui4797]

Hi, thanks for sharing your videos....Is good to know someone like you explain with details..... and we can understand more clear..... thanks.... Question...... when a transmission is not working well.....what's the part's name.....I forgot....thank... u...

[@omamini3350]

Excelent

[@downback5822]

Great explanation. Just wanted to add something for people who don't know. Before i shift to reverse i shift to first gear to stop all gear movement in in my worn-out old t10 with lack of preload. It does stop turning pretty quick when clutch is disengaged, but this speeds up the process considerably and eliminates crunching reverse all together

[@GearBoxVideo]

Its a very good practice to do that providing you do have good clutch release. Poor clutch release can ruin rings especially if you use the rings to break a dragging disc loose.

[@thomasdingo5191]

As an old shade tree mechanic I,ve put a lot of clutches in but I was never sure how the springss on the clutch plate worked. Thanks now I understand.

[@hugodelafontaine9404]

Thank you.. Now i understand much better !!!

[@lizzyfan1986]

Well explained, thanks so much!

[@PompeyMatt17]

probably the first time I've understood how a clutch plate and springs work !... thank you !!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Glad it helped!

[@KiaSorento-tu5op]

Everything I ever wanted to know about clutches. Really makes you appreciate how the system works

[@GearBoxVideo]

Glad the video helped.

[@265chevy]

very cool video i learned alot

[@GearBoxVideo]

thank you.

[@RanasGarden]

Excellent explanation 😊!

[@franklane6557]

Thanks very much for taking the time to record and upload the video.It helps a lot when you can see how all the parts work together in sync rather than just being told.Now all the “can’t find it so grind it” drivers ,reverse gear especially noise I have heard down through the years now makes me cringe even more that I am a little more enlightened.

[@ABDOUNEH]

the best video ever that explains how the clutch works..thank you!

[@GearBoxVideo]

Glad you liked it!

[@truegrower658]

Im in school and this quarter is transmissions 😢

[@VineV-Dutch]

No matter how much time it takes; figure it out, get your brain wrapped around it. There's money to be made in that business and if you get it; you'll enjoy it. Do the (home) work, invest the time in the books. It'll be worth it for sure!

[@andrewpaterson860]

Rammstein yes

[@dontrump4697]

I remember helping my Dad pull the clutch out of his 1950's Ford Prefect to change the clutch plate. Looks very familiar. I would say as far as clutches go not much has changed since then!

[@cleaterose5914]

The best video on the workings of a clutch! As a DIYer, I never got a chance drill out the rivets in a clutch plate since I would forfeit my core deposit. I understood that the coil springs dampened the action of the clutch but I never understood how until now.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thanks

[@Max36300]

This is the best break down of the inner workings of the clutch assembly I have ever seen. Thank you so much GearBoxVideo for making this informative video for us.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Glad you liked it

[@antonvz19]

I have an issue with my car having rattles when I apply clutch control. This is after the gearbox was replaced. I needed to understand what the possible causes were, bewore I take it back to the workshop and allege that the gearbox is faulty. This video was so helpful and easy to understand. I have almost now mechanical understanding, yet I found this video very informative!!

[@danssv8]

You're the man , very well explanation on the clutch plate springs and clutch hub assembly all revited together. Loose springs and worn hub could result in shudder as the plate runs out of circle when the clutch is released. Very informative and very well done for showing others how it actually works. Great job sir.

[@AMindInOverdrive]

Pretty neat. I always wondered what the springs were for and now I know! Thanks

[@skaargan]

the most complete clutch mechanism explaination I ever watch.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you!

[@avinashthakur794]

I saw 30+ videos for clearing my doubt that how clutch plate disengaged ..but doubt not clear..but this video clear my all doubt on transmission...thanku sir

[@sgpsimonb]

Software specialist here - most things I can touch break. Videos like this are making me less useless - thanks.

[@connorwesterfield8393]

This was extremely enlightening, even after having done clutch changes and lightweight flywheel swaps, it still really wasnt that clear to me, thank you

[@jasonjoncas5998]

Very good explanation on the meat and potatoes of how a clutch works. The centerforce is a different animal the pucks that engage the fingers increase the pressure plate load under increased rpm.The pucks pull the fingers of the clutch upward and out of their relaxed position. This causes the release bearing to lift causing a rattle in the clutch pedal only in linkage or cable hydraulic no problem. increased freeplay is the ticket no noise its golden.

[@GearBoxVideo]

Our of the hundreds of Centerforce installs, I've personally never had a rattle issue. I've seen release bearings rattle with any clutch because of poor fit on forks and front collars. Hydraulic release bearings are the worst because they naturally lay against pressure plate fingers. That is why factory bearings have a damper spring on them. This is really not a Centerforce issue.

[@roberthambrook150]

That is what the transmission guy was talking about when I said a couple of gears were getting harder to engage. He said it sounded like the clutch. Now I understand what he meant.

[@debeerpaul]

WOW awesome explanation. I thought my new clutch was too thick when I saw the gap between pp and fw. Quite relieved now.

[@VolksTrieb]

Just found your vids. Just rebuilding my VW transmission. Had a defective diagfragm/membrane spring all way long for 60.000km. Always wondered why reverse was always chewing a bit. Now I know a lot more! Keep up the good work and videos ;) Hope to learn even more in the future!

[@Maximilian0011]

Yes, this is an awesome presentation with a strong voice of a guy that knows what he is talking about, its a pleasure to listen to. In my e39 540i I think my Clutch Slave Cylinder gone bad since it does NOT

[@tahoon2009]

One of the most informative and yet simple clutch explanation. Finally i understood the reason for those small springs in the clutch Discs . Thanks for your useful efforts and Best of Luck :)

[@GearBoxVideo]

Thank you

[@cosmicchatter1085]

It's so beautiful when it's brand new and clean like that. Great video thank you