Clutches and Gears: Notes

The six speed automatic transmission applies hydraulic pressure to the clutches to engage or disengage the gears. When hydraulic pressure is introduced into the clutch drum, the clutch piston moves and presses the steel plates and the clutch discs. Power is then transmitted through the engaged clutch pack to its gear mounted on the shaft. Likewise, when the hydraulic pressure is bled from the clutch drum, the piston releases the steel plates and the clutch discs. Then the steel plates rotate with the clutch drum, and the clutch discs rotate with gear on the shaft. The clutch discs are released from the steel plates. This allows the clutch disc to spin independently, transmitting no power.