Ford Focus Service Manual: Clutch Controls

The clutch hydraulic system consists of the following:

• Brake master cylinder reservoir
• Clutch master cylinder
• Clutch slave cylinder with an integral release bearing
• Upper hydraulic tube
• Lower hydraulic tube

The clutch control system disengages the clutch when the clutch pedal is depressed and engages the clutch when the clutch pedal is released. When the clutch pedal is depressed, pressure builds up in the clutch master cylinder and the integral release bearing in the clutch slave cylinder is actuated.

The brake fluid reservoir supplies brake fluid to the hydraulic clutch system and the brake system. The hydraulic clutch system and brake system are arranged separately inside the brake fluid reservoir. If leaks occur in the hydraulic clutch system, the brake system continues to operate unrestricted.

The clutch master cylinder generates the system pressure required to actuate the clutch. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the piston rod moves the clutch master cylinder piston. The hydraulic fluid in the clutch master cylinder is forced through the high-pressure tube to the clutch slave cylinder.

The hydraulic fluid forced from the piston in the clutch master cylinder moves the piston in the clutch slave cylinder which, in turn, moves the release bearing in an axial direction. The release bearing inner ring presses onto the diaphragm spring. The non-positive connection between the clutch disc and the flywheel is interrupted.

Once the clutch pedal is released, the diaphragm spring pushes the piston in the clutch slave cylinder back to its initial position. The non-positive connection between the clutch disc and the flywheel is re-established.

A self-adjusting clutch system eliminates the need for maintenance adjustments. It provides for consistent pedal height throughout the service life of the clutch. Other advantages of the hydraulic clutch are low actuation force required and low-wearing.

Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) Switch

The Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) switch is located near the clutch pedal. Depressing the clutch pedal closes the CPP switch and allows engine cranking. The CPP switch is not adjustable.