A multiple disk clutch includes a clutch drum having an interior surface with a plurality of spline grooves, a servo piston, a clutch plate with splines engaged within the spline grooves, and a cushion plate, with splines engaged within the spline grooves, arranged between the clutch plate and the servo piston. The splines of the clutch plate and those of the cushion plate are engaged within different spline grooves so that the splines of the clutch plates and those of the cushion plate do not contact each other when the clutch is engaged by a load imposed by operation of the piston.