Clutch Assembly, Modular: Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Patriot and 2017 Jeep Compass. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The modular clutch assembly is designed to transmit power from the engine to the manual transaxle. This is accomplished by the friction and clamping force generated when the spring loaded pressure plate locks the clutch disc to the flywheel. The clutch disc, which is splined to the transaxle input shaft, transmits power until the center of the diaphragm spring is depressed, and the clamp force is removed from the disc.