What is a Pressure Pad? How Does It Work?

The pressure pad is one of the basic components that provide power transmission in internal combustion engines. It helps to transmit engine power to the wheels by providing the connection between the engine and transmission of the car. In manual transmission vehicles, it is used for the driver to temporarily cut the engine power to the wheels when changing gear. The pressure pad is located in the clutch system and provides the balance between the engine speed and the transmission gears while driving. In addition to the performance of the car, the condition of the pressure pad system is of great importance in terms of providing a comfortable and safe driving experience.

The pressure pad system is used in different vehicles such as motorcycles, trucks, buses, as well as cars. Since this component is an important part of the clutch system, the condition of the pressure pad directly affects driving performance, especially for owners of manual transmission vehicles. A worn or dysfunctional pressure pad can make it difficult to change gears, prevent the engine speed from being adjusted correctly, and cause problems when the vehicle starts moving.

How Does a Pressure Pad Work?

The function of the pressure pad is to cut the connection between the engine and the transmission when the clutch pedal is pressed. This way, the driver can change gears or stop the vehicle. When the clutch pedal is not pressed, the pressure pad transmits engine power to the wheels and allows the vehicle to move.

The pressure pad system consists of three main components: pressure plate, pad (friction disc) and flywheel. Each of these components plays an important role in the smooth transmission of power between the engine and the transmission.

Pressure Plate: The pressure plate located between the engine’s flywheel and the pad cuts off the contact of the pad to the flywheel when the clutch pedal is pressed. This stops the transmission of engine power to the wheels. When the foot is removed from the clutch pedal, the pressure plate presses the pad back onto the flywheel, allowing the power to pass to the wheels.

Pad (Friction Disc): This disc in the clutch system is located between the pressure plate and the flywheel. This friction part allows the engine speed to be transmitted to the transmission. When the pad wears out, the friction feature decreases, which leads to problems in power transmission.

Flywheel: The flywheel, located at the rear of the engine, is one of the parts that transmits the rotary motion of the engine to the transmission. The pad contacts the flywheel and ensures that the engine power is transferred to the transmission.

What are the Functions of the Pressure Pad?

The most important function of the pressure pad is to ensure that the engine power is transmitted to the wheels properly. In addition, the trouble-free operation of the pressure pad is of great importance in terms of driving safety and comfort. Here are the basic functions of the pressure pad:

Transferring Engine Power: When the clutch pedal is not pressed, the pressure pad transmits the power produced by the engine to the transmission and from there to the wheels. Thanks to this power transfer, the vehicle moves.

Providing the Possibility of Shifting Gears: In order to change gears, the connection between the engine and the transmission must be cut. The pressure pad cuts this connection when the clutch pedal is pressed, allowing the driver to change gears.

Starting and Stopping: The pressure pad system plays an important role when moving and stopping the vehicle. While the engine power is gradually transmitted to the wheels during starting, this power transfer is cut off during stopping.

Driving Comfort: Providing a smooth and problem-free gear shift increases driving comfort. A good pressure pad contributes to smooth gear shifts and a comfortable driving experience.

When Should the Pressure Pad Be Replaced?

The pressure pad is a part that wears out over time and may need to be replaced depending on usage. In vehicles with manual transmission, there are some signs that indicate that the pressure pad is worn. Here are some signs that indicate that the pressure pad needs to be replaced:

Hardness in the Clutch Pedal: If excessive hardness or difficulty is felt when pressing the clutch pedal, the pressure pad may be worn.

Slipping Problem: If the engine speed increases when the vehicle is trying to accelerate but the vehicle is not accelerating enough, it means that the pressure pad is slipping. In this case, the pressure pad should be replaced.

Difficulty in Shifting Gears: If difficulty or vibration is felt during gear shifts, the pressure pad system may not be working properly.

Burning Smell: A worn pressure pad may create a burning smell at high temperatures. This smell usually indicates that the pressure pad is overheating and needs to be replaced.

Unresponsive Clutch: If you cannot control the vehicle speed when the clutch pedal is pressed or if you feel an abnormal gap in the clutch pedal, it may mean that the pressure pad is not working.

Causes of Pressure Pad Failures

Pressure pad failures usually occur due to wear and improper use. Here are some factors that can cause pressure pad failure:

Congested Traffic Conditions: Continuous use of the clutch pedal in congested traffic can cause the pressure pad to It can cause the brake pad to wear faster.

Wrong Gear Usage: Changing gears at inappropriate speeds or changing gears without fully pressing the clutch pedal stresses the pressure pad and shortens its life.

Carrying Heavy Loads: Carrying heavy loads constantly in the vehicle creates extra pressure on the pressure pad, which accelerates wear.

Fast Starts and Sudden Brakes: Sudden starts or hard braking can cause the pressure pad to heat up suddenly, which leads to failures in the long term.

Low Quality Parts: Low quality parts used when changing the pressure pad may not be as durable as the original parts and may fail frequently.

Pressure Pad Replacement Cost

Pressure pad replacement has a cost that varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Pressure pad replacement is usually done together with other components of the clutch system. This is because all components of the pressure pad system work integrated with each other, and replacing a single part may not fully improve the entire system.

The cost of pressure pad replacement varies depending on the quality of the parts and the labor cost. While using original spare parts generally provides a longer-lasting and more reliable solution, aftermarket products may be more cost-effective but may cause performance problems in the long term.

Pressure Pad Replacement Period

The service life of the pressure pad varies depending on driving conditions and driver habits. Under normal conditions, a pressure pad set can have a service life of between 60,000 and 100,000 kilometers. However, this period may be even shorter in heavy traffic and difficult driving conditions. For this reason, the condition of the pressure pad should be checked during regular maintenance of the vehicle and replaced if necessary.