Abstract: A clutch assembly for a vehicle including a clutch cover rotatable about an axis is provided. A pressure plate is also rotatable about the axis and is movable along the axis relative to the clutch cover between engaged and disengaged positions. A resilient clutch strap secures the clutch cover and pressure plate together so that they rotate together about the axis. The strap is spaced apart from and transverse to the axis. As the pressure plate moves between engaged and disengaged positions, the resilient clutch strap flexes. The resilient clutch strap has first and second opposing ends secured to the clutch cover and pressure plate, respectively, at first and second connections, respectively. The first connection defines a first plane perpendicular to the axis, and the second connection defines a second plane perpendicular to the axis. The resilient clutch strap includes a disengaged state in which the first and second planes are generally coplanar in the disengaged position thereby reducing vibration.

Abstract: A pin has an end secured to the pressure plate and the pin is disposed within a pressure plate hole for constraining the clutch cover and the pressure plate together for rotation about the rotational axis. A bushing is disposed within the hole and includes a bore for receiving the pin. The pin is received within the bore in an interference fit relationship while the bushing is permitted to move freely within the hole in the clutch cover. The pin moves within the bore in response to an adjustment force to accommodate wear of the clutch friction components. A resilient assembly absorbs vibrational force along the rotational axis to prevent misadjustment of the clutch. The resilient assembly is interposed between the bushing and the pressure plate to prevent the pin from moving along the bore in response to a vibrational force.

Abstract: An improved structure for allowing adjustment of a clutch due to wear includes a bushing which has a flange that is adjustably mounted on said bushing. In one method of providing the feature, the flange is provided by a washer which allows movement of the bushing within the washer in one direction but prevents movement in the opposed direction. In a second way of achieving the adjustment, the flange is provided by a nut which is threadably received on an outer periphery of the bushing.