The clutch is located between the transmission and engine
where it provides a mechanical coupling between the engine¡¯s flywheel
and the transmission¡¯s input shaft. The driver operates the clutch
through a linkage that extends from the passenger compartment to the
bell housing between the engine and the transmission.
All manual transmissions require a clutch to engage or
disengage the transmission. If the vehicle had no clutch and the engine
was always connected to the transmission, the engine would stop every
time the vehicle was brought to a stop. The clutch allows the engine to
idle while the vehicle is stopped. It also allows for easy shifting
between gears. The clutch engages the transmission gradually by allowing
a certain amount of slippage between the transmission¡¯s input shaft and
the flywheel.