Over the last five decades, LuK has established itself within the Schaeffler Group as the technology leader in the field of vehicle drive train systems and components.

It all started in 1965 when the company developed a diaphragm spring clutch with a release system – which to this day remains a groundbreaking innovation and just one of the many to have come from LuK.

The diaphragm spring clutch is the beginning of luK’s success story. Beginning in the mid-1960s, it increasingly replaces the coil spring clutch. Engines with higher torques overtax existing technology. Starting in spring 1965, LuK supplies diaphragm spring clutches to Volkswagen for the “Type 3” mid-size model. This makes this company from Bühl the first European high-volume manufacturer of diaphragm spring clutches.

LuK was the first manufacturer in Europe to successfully develop a dual mass flywheel (DMF) for high-volume production as early as 1985.  The DMF allows driving in fuel-efficient operating points with increased vibration damping and resulting comfort.  Operating an engine at an ideal speed and load makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

A very significant increase in vibration damping was achieved in 2008 by integrating a centrifugal pendulum-type absorber. Isolation levels of more than 90 percent are achieved by using the spring mass system of the DMF in combination with the centrifugal pendulum-type absorber.

The self adjusting clutch is an innovation by LuK engineers turns clutches from a wearing component into a permanent solution.  LuK achieved this in the mid 1990’s through the self-adjusting clutch (SAC), resulting in a longer clutch life and driver comfort. When the friction lining of a clutch with diaphragm springs is worn, the SAC adjusts itself ensuring that for the driver the feel of the clutch pedal remains consistent.  The clutch lasts longer as a consequence of more ideal diaphragm spring operation.

OTTO know their drive train components and stock a large range of LuK OEM clutches, dual mass flywheels and other drive components.  For more information or to look up your LuK parts visit us at ottocarparts.com.