Volvo Trucks North America

Greensboro, NC USA

Service Bulletin
Trucks
Date

Group

No.

4.2010

900

035

Release

Page

1(12)

Clutch, Transmission
VN/VHD
US 2010

Clutch
This information provides performance characteristics for clutches on transmissions
available in US 2010 compliant VN/VHD vehicles.
Note: We have attempted to cover as much information as possible. However, this
information does not cover all the unique variations that a vehicle may present. Note that
illustrations are typical but may not reflect all the variations of assembly.
All data provided is based on information that was current at time of release. However, this
information is subject to change without notice.
Please note that no part of this information may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any
means without the express written permission of VOLVO Trucks North America, Inc.

Contents:

Clutch, page 2
Clutch, page 4

Return:

PV776-88951639

Transmission Index
General Index

USA39396

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
2(12)

Clutch
Damper Springs

Max Engine
Torque

Plate

Capacity

Load

MFG

(ft-lb)

(lbs)

Eaton

1400

3200

Size
(in.)

Type

14

2 Plate

Disc
Clutch

Thick-

Num-

Housing

Weight

Spline

Type

ber

Type

Kg (lbs)

Size

Coaxial

8 Spring

SAE #1

109

2 in.

(Spicer)

ness, 1

Paddles

Material

Facing

Per Disc

Ceramic

0.45 in.

Ceramic

0.45 in.

Ceramic

0.45 in.

Ceramic

0.48 in.

SAE 10

Easy Pedal
15.5

2 Plate

Eaton

1700

3600

Coaxial

7 Spring

SAE #1

141

(Spicer)

2 in.
SAE 10

Easy Pedal
Plus
15.5

2 Plate

Eaton

1700

3600

Coaxial

7 Spring

SAE #1

141

(Spicer) HD

2 in.
SAE 10

Solo
15.5

2 Plate

Meritor LTD

1750*

3600*

1490

3200

Coaxial

Note: Eaton (Spicer) Easy Pedal Plus and HD Solo

includes VCT Vibration Control Technology at 2508 Nm
(1850 lb-ft) and higher torque ratings.

Clutch Hydraulic System

Clutch System Fluid

Replacement Interval

Brake fluid according to DOT 4

(SAE J 1703)

Every two years

7 Spring

SAE #1

136

2 in.
SAE 10

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Clutch Controls

W4002413

Clutch Control, Slave Cylinder

1 Flange screw, M8 x 25; torque 18 3 Nm (13 2.2 lb-ft)

2 Slave cylinder
3 Clutch release adapter
4 Flange screw, M12 x 40; torque 55 5 Nm (41 3.6 lb-ft)

W4002414

Clutch Control, Clutch Servo

1 Flange screw, M8 x 25; torque 18 3 Nm (13 2.2 lb-ft)

2 Clutch servo
3 Clutch release adapter
4 Flange screw, M12 x 40; torque 55 5 Nm (41 3.6 lb-ft)

Page
3(12)

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
4(12)

Clutch

W4002407

Clutch

1 Flywheel
The purpose of the drivetrain is to transmit power from the engine to the driving wheels. However, sometimes the engine
must run without the driving wheels being affected (such as when the vehicle is stopped or started at intersections, or when
the driver must change gears). In such cases, the drivetrain must be disengaged from the engine.
The disengagement between engine and drivetrain is accomplished with the clutch; this is called declutching.

Clutch Linkage
The two most common types of clutch releases used on VOLVO vehicles are the mechanical clutch release and the
air-assisted hydraulic release.

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
5(12)

Mechanical Clutch
The mechanical clutch consists of a pressure plate that presses a disc against the flywheel. Both single and double
disc clutches are available.
When the clutch has two discs (a double disc clutch), there is an intermediate plate (4) fitted between the discs. Normally,
the release bearing is part of the pressure plate assembly on the double disc clutch. This design is often referred to as a
pull-type clutch because the release fork pulls the release bearing to disengage the clutch.
The single disc clutch assembly typically has a push-type clutch. This means the release bearing pushes against the
pressure plate (1). Unlike the pull-type clutch, the release bearing is typically not part of the pressure plate assembly.

W4002404

W4002405

Typical double disc (pull-type) clutch

Typical single disc (push-type) clutch

1 Pressure Plate

1 Pressure Plate

2 Discs

2 Discs

3 Flywheel (not shown)

3 Flywheel

4 Intermediate Plate

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
6(12)

Pressure Plate
When the vehicle is running, the discs (2) are pressed tightly against the flywheel (3) by the pressure plate (1). The pressure
plate (steel ring) gets its pressure against the discs either from coil springs or from diaphragm springs. When the clutch
pedal is depressed, the release bearing releases the spring pressure in the pressure plate. The disc is then engaged and
the transmission no longer receives power from the engine.

Discs
The disc consists of a resilient steel plate with riveted organic or ceramic facings on both sides. It transmits the driving
power of the engine to the transmission with the aid of friction. The facings are constructed using a heat-resistant material
to ensure that they can withstand the high temperature generated during use.
At the center of the disc is a hole with splines through which the transmission input shaft runs. Several springs around
the center of the disc dampen vibrations in the driveline. When the disc rotates, it turns the transmission input shaft,
thereby transmitting power to the transmission.
W4002406

Discs engaged/disengaged (pull-type clutch)

1 Pressure plate
2 Discs
3 Flywheel
4 Center plate
5 Release bearing

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
7(12)

Air-assisted Clutch
Clutch Pedal and Master Cylinder
Declutching is performed with the clutch pedal (1) located on the footplate. When the clutch pedal is depressed, a push rod
is pushed into a hydraulic cylinder, the master cylinder (2), which is full of hydraulic fluid.
The hydraulic fluid arrives from a reservoir (A) located above the clutch pedal.
The push rod applies pressure to a piston, which is rammed down the cylinder; this increases hydraulic pressure, which is
transmitted via a steel pipe and an armored hose to the clutch servo (3).
1

Clutch Pedal

Master Cylinder

Reservoir

W4002408

Clutch pedal in neutral position

Clutch Servo
The clutch servo, located on the outside of the transmission, converts the pressure from the master cylinder into mechanical
movement. This conversion takes place when the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder reaches a piston rod
and a control valve (4) in the clutch servo.
When the guide valve is depressed by hydraulic pressure, it opens a passage for compressed air to travel to the clutch
servo. The compressed air forces a piston (5) forward. This also pushes the piston rod forward and transmits the
movement to a lever (6).
W4002409

Clutch pedal depressed

Control Valve

Piston

Lever

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
8(12)

Hydraulic Clutch
A low-effort hydraulic clutch actuation system is optimized to reduce pedal effort and provide excellent feel and control
during engagement. The actuator has fewer parts than a typical mechanical system (12 vs. 26).
The system is compact in design with the master cylinder mounted to the pedal plate on the cab bulkhead and the slave
cylinder mounted to the clutch housing. A translucent 60 ml reservoir is mounted to the master cylinder and can be easily
checked when the hood is tilted. A single flexible hose assembly connects the master cylinder to the slave cylinder; potential
for leaks is reduced with only 2 connections in the system.
Since the system uses hydraulics, there is no mechanical linkage to wear out or require periodical lubrication and
adjustment, except for the usual bushings on the clutch housing.
The hydraulic system is not affected by movement between the cab and chassis during engagement; this eliminates the
chatter and jerking action experienced with some mechanical linkages. The pedal response and effort will not vary over the
lifetime of the clutch, so no adjustment is required to the clutch release system. There is no toe play with the hydraulic
system as found in mechanical systems.
To provide an indication of when clutch adjustment is needed, a pointer is mounted to the clutch release shaft. A scale
on the clutch housing gives an accurate indication of whether clutch adjustment is required. The system works with both
standard clutches and self-adjusting clutches.

W4002519

Hydraulic Clutch

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Clutch Housing
The clutch housing, which is attached to the flywheel
housing, contains the clutch and comprises the forward
section of the transmission.

W4002410

Clutch Housing

Page
9(12)

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Page
10(12)

Eaton (Spicer) Clutch

The standard clutch on VOLVO trucks and tractors is the Eaton (Spicer) Easy Pedal Plus. This clutch offers 50% less
flywheel wear and 30% more facing life. Its low pedal effort and optimal pedal feel makes it popular among drivers.
The Kwik-Adjust feature on the Easy Pedal Plus simplifies clutch adjustment through an easy access port. Full adjustment
is possible with a quarter of a turn. The clutch also includes a Positive Separator Pin which assures equal plate separation,
smoother engagement, and cooler operation for longer life.
W4000831

Eaton (Spicer) Clutch

Clutch Plates
Eaton (Spicer) clutches use ceramic linings on both clutch plates. The plates are dampened with springs to reduce
torsional vibrations.

W4000832

Eaton (Spicer) Clutch Plates

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Pressure Plate
The Eaton (Spicer) pressure plate is a spring type with 9 coil springs.
W4000831

Eaton (Spicer) Pressure Plate

Page
11(12)

Volvo Trucks North America

Service Bulletin

Date
4.2010

Group

No.

900

035

Release

Master Cylinder with Slave Cylinder

W4000781

Clutch Pedal, Master Cylinder, and Slave Cylinder

Page
12(12)