A self-adjusting mechanism for a clutch having a cover, a pressure plate, a clutch release mechanism, and an adjustment ring. The self-adjusting mechanism includes a shaft mounted on the cover having a flange extending around the shaft. The self-adjusting mechanism includes a first hub member connected to the clutch release mechanism. The self-adjusting mechanism includes a second hub member connected to the adjustment ring so rotating the second hub member through angles in a first direction greater than a predetermined angle moves the adjustment ring to adjust the position of the clutch release mechanism. The adjustment ring remains stationary as the second hub member rotates through angles less than the predetermined angle. The self-adjusting mechanism has a spring biasing the first and second hub members together and a spring housing. An opening in the spring housing is blocked by the flange to prevent contaminates from entering the housing.