Abstract: A friction clutch wherein a pressure plate is movable axially of and rotates with a housing which is driven by the engine of a motor vehicle. The pressure plate cooperates with a coaxial engine-driven counter-pressure plate to bear upon the respective friction linings of a clutch disc when the clutch is engaged to drive the input shaft of a transmission in the power train of the vehicle. A diaphragm spring is tiltable relative to an annular seat at the inner side of the housing and urges the pressure plate against the adjacent friction linings when the clutch is engaged. An automatic wear compensating unit serves to move the diaphragm spring and the seat axially relative to and away from the inner side of the housing to thus compensate for wear upon the friction linings. The diaphragm spring has resilient prongs which bear, directly or indirectly, upon portions of the housing to urge the diaphragm spring against the seat and to thus bias the seat toward the inner side of the housing.