Clutch Cables

 NEW TO RANGE

CLUTCH CABLES operate the clutch from the clutch pedal. In a modern car with a manual transmission the clutch is operated by the left-most pedal using a CLUTCH cable  from the pedal to the clutch mechanism. Even though the clutch may physically be located very close to the pedal, such remote means of actuation are necessary to eliminate the effect of vibrations and slight engine movement, engine mountings being flexible by design.

With a rigid mechanical linkage, smooth engagement would be near-impossible because engine movement inevitably occurs as the drive is “taken up.” Smooth operation with a clutch cable is ensured by inserting a liner between inner and outer so that there is even less friction when the cable is operated.

The default state of the clutch is engaged – that is the connection between engine and gearbox is always “on” unless the driver presses the pedal and disengages it. If the engine is running with clutch engaged and the transmission in neutral, the engine spins the input shaft of the transmission, but no power is transmitted to the wheels.

With an automatic transmission, a gear shift or shifter cable is required to actuate the gear shifting lever and the transmission. The transmission shifting is accomplished by a gear shift cable which puts the vehicle in Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive positions through a lever mounted on the steering column or a gear shifter near the center console.