Abstract: A friction clutch for use in the power train of a motor vehicle has a diaphragm spring which, when the clutch is engaged, reacts against the rear wall of the housing and urges the axially movable pressure plate against the friction linings of the clutch disc so that the latter can receive torque from an engine-driven fly-wheel. The wear at least upon the friction linings of the clutch disc is automatically compensated for at requisite intervals by a unit which employs a first set of ramps on the rear wall of the housing and a second set of ramps on an annular element which is installed between the rear wall of the housing and the diaphragm spring, or directly on the diaphragm spring. The latter can be provided with resilient tongues which bear against the outer side of the rear wall of the housing and bias the diaphragm spring against the annular element or, in the absence of such element, directly against those ramps of the wear compensating unit which are provided on the rear wall.