A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly includes a housing mounted on the cover and a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position.