Author: Anthony Fontanelle
One of the most complex efforts Pontiac car drivers venture into is driving down into traffic-filled streets. A good driver must have thorough knowledge on how to appropriately handle his car. Among these is considering the appropriate speed traveled by the vehicle depending on the road conditions. For this reason, it is necessary that you know when and when not to shift gears so that you will not be considered a road nuisance by other car drivers. This job is done by the car’s transmission system. It is a group of components that serve the main function of keeping your internal combustion engine operating at an appropriate speed and make effective use of the engine’s torque. Your Pontiac vehicle would just be limited to a one gear ratio if it does not have a transmission. Three major components make up your entire transmission system: the hydraulic control unit, torque converter, and planetary gear unit. Each component is made up of smaller parts that make it possible for your Pontiac to shift gears efficiently.
Among the most important sub-components of your transmission system is the Pontiac clutch kit. You can usually see this car component mounted between the transmission and the engine in a protective housing. It is a part of the planetary gear unit that provide your car with one gear ration in reverse and multiple gear ratio in the forward direction. Your Pontiac clutch kit is a transmission control component that is designed to disconnect and connect the flow of engine power into the transmission depending on the adjustments made. When you engage this component, there would be more power transfer from the engine, to the transmission, and eventually to your car wheels. Disengaging it would allow your internal combustion engine to continue running even if your wheels are not moving by providing the needed power transfer. This is controlled by a properly adjusted clutch linkage and clutch pedal. However, your Pontiac clutch kit would certainly not be able to perform its intended function if not for the sub components comprising it.
A typical Pontiac clutch kit is made up of 4 sub parts—the pressure plate, clutch disc, pilot bushings, and throw out bearing. The pressure plate measures about 8” to 10” in diameter. When the clutch is engaged, this clutch kit part transmits engine power to the transmission by clamping the disc assembly against the flywheel. On the other hand, the clutch disc is a metal disc that is pressed tightly by springs against the flywheel. It contains a ferrous friction material that can be found in brake pads and brake shoes in order to produce friction. Serving as guide and seat for the transmission, the pilot bushings make it possible for your pressure plate assembly to turn at speeds different than the disc assembly and input shaft. Lastly, the throw-out bearings is used to disengage the clutch by compressing the plate levers as it pivots forward. Eventually, your Pontiac clutch kit will be worn out due to aging. When this happens, you will notice some clicking, and moaning noises which would tell you that it needs immediate replacement.
About the Author:Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/high-performance-pontiac-clutch-kit-an-indispensable-tool-in-gear-shifting-213284.html