REAR CLUTCH
DESCRIPTION
The rear clutch assembly (Fig. 55) is composed of
the rear clutch retainer, pressure plate, three clutch
plates, four driving discs, piston, Belleville spring,
and snap rings. The Belleville spring acts as a lever
to multiply the force applied on to it by the apply pis-
ton. The increased apply force on the rear clutch
pack, in comparison to the front clutch pack, is
needed to hold against the greater torque load
imposed onto the rear pack. The rear clutch is
directly behind the front clutch and is considered a
driving component.
NOTE: The number of discs and plates may vary
with each engine and vehicle combination.
OPERATION
To apply the clutch, pressure is applied between
the clutch retainer and piston. The fluid pressure is
provided by the oil pump, transferred through the
control valves and passageways, and enters the
clutch through the hub of the reaction shaft support.
With pressure applied between the clutch retainer
and piston, the piston moves away from the clutch
retainer and compresses the clutch pack. This action
applies the clutch pack, allowing torque to flow
through the input shaft into the driving discs, and
into the clutch plates and pressure plate that are
lugged to the clutch retainer. The waved snap ring is
used to cushion the application of the clutch pack. In
some transmissions, the snap ring is selective and
used to adjust clutch pack clearance.
Fig. 55 Rear Clutch
1 – PISTON SPRING
2 – REAR CLUTCH PISTON
3 – CLUTCH PISTON SEALS
4 – OUTPUT SHAFT THRUST WASHER (METAL)
5 – INPUT SHAFT SNAP RING
6 – REAR CLUTCH RETAINER
7 – INPUT SHAFT
8 – REAR CLUTCH THRUST WASHER (FIBER)
9 – CLUTCH PACK SNAP RING (SELECTIVE)
10 – TOP PRESSURE PLATE
11 – CLUTCH DISCS (4)
12 – BOTTOM PRESSURE PLATE
13 – WAVE SPRING
14 – CLUTCH PLATES (3)
15 – RETAINER SEAL RING
16 – SHAFT REAR SEAL RING (PLASTIC)
17 – SHAFT FRONT SEAL RING (TEFLON)
21 - 198
46RE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DN
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)