Abstract: A clutch cover assembly comprising a cover, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring acting between the cover and pressure plate to urge the pressure plate outwardly of the cover, and drive straps in the form of leaf springs attached to the cover and pressure plate to retract the latter into the cover when urging by the diaphragm spring is relieved. Latches formed by spring clips on the cover engage the pressure plate to hold it in a partially retracted state after its manufacture and during shipment, to prevent free outward movement of the pressure plate overstressing the drive straps. As the clutch cover assembly is bolted to a driving plate with a clutch driven plate between the driving and pressure plates, the pressure plate eventually comes to an axially stationary position pressing the driven plate against the axially stationary driving plate while the cover moves axially relative to the pressure plate as the bolts are finally tightened.