Ford Focus Service Manual: Manual Transaxle and Clutch

The transaxle and clutch system consists of the following:

• Five-speed manual transaxle
• Clutch disc
• Clutch pressure plate
• Clutch release hub and bearing
• Clutch hydraulic system
• Clutch pedal
• Flywheel

The function of the transaxle is to move the vehicle from a rest position to motion. The transaxle uses gears to adapt the torque to the demands of load and road conditions. It matches engine power to vehicle needs. This power is delivered from the engine flywheel to the transaxle. The power is transmitted through a driver-operated clutch, which allows for engagement and disengagement of the engine to the transaxle.

The transaxle input shaft receives the power when the clutch is engaged. The transaxle then uses a system of gears to change the speed and torque relationship between the engine crankshaft and the transaxle differential.

The purpose of the clutch is to connect and disconnect a manually operated transaxle and the halfshafts from the engine. This allows starting and stopping the vehicle, shifting and changing speeds that correspond to the engine speed through gear changes.