Which component of a transaxle is directly connected to the clutch disc?

The input shaft is directly connected to the clutch disc. When the driver engages the clutch pedal, the clutch disc is either pressed against or released from the flywheel, allowing the engine to transfer power to the input shaft of the transaxle. This input shaft is responsible for receiving the rotational motion from the engine through the clutch assembly.

When the clutch is engaged, the engine power is transmitted through the input shaft to the various gears of the transaxle, facilitating the selection of different drive ratios. This connection is crucial, as it serves as the initial part of the drivetrain system that takes the engine's power and prepares it for transfer to the output shaft, which directly drives the wheels.

Understanding this relationship is vital for grasping how manual transmissions function, particularly how the engagement and disengagement of the clutch affect the flow of power within the system.