
210 LIGHT AND HEAVY VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
The release levers
To prevent buckling of the diaphragm spring under
thermal stress it is provided with radial slits which give
rise to the formation of inwardly extending spring
fingers. These conveniently act as release levers, be-
cause when they are pressed inwards at their free ends
the effect is to relieve the diaphragm spring load on the
pressure plate (Figure 13.7). The clutch release bearing
presses either directly against the diaphragm spring
fingers or indirectly through the medium of a release
plate that is strap driven from the clutch cover.
Advantages of diaphragm over coil spring clutch