CLUTCH PEDAL CLEARANCE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 365, 20 November 1930, Page 7

CLUTCH PEDAL CLEARANCE.

The provision of ample clearance between the clutch pedal shank and the underside of the floorboard does not, unfortunately, receive the regular and frequent »attention by the i average owner-driver that it deserves, and, indeed, demands. This is in all probability because few owners fully realise the need for the existence of this clearance. All clutches used on motor cars are of a frictional character and rely upon spring pressure • for the proper engagement of their components when the foot is off the clutch pedal, and the clutch is therefore “ in.” The extent of this spring pressure is of the utmost importance , controlling, as it does, the pressure existing between the frictional surfaces of the clutch, and it is easy to realise that if the springs are too weak they will provide insufficient pressure between the surfaces and allow them to slip instead of taking

up the drive. Conversely, too strong a spring pressure will cause the fric--1 tional surfaces to make too violent engagement and induce fierceness of action. It will be immediately obvious that any irregularity which reduces the effectiveness of the springs, or prevents the full engagement of the clutch, will cause a reduction of the pressure between the frictional surfaces and induce clutch slip.