How do you know if dual mass flywheel is OK?

One of the easiest ways to tell if your DMF is on its way out is to check for vibrations when you turn off the engine. What you’re looking for is a sensation that the drivetrain needs a moment to settle down once the power to the engine is cut.

Are dual mass flywheels any good?

The benefits of a dual mass flywheel are smooth operation and dampening of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Some clutch pressure plates contain springs to help dampen vibrations, but in general, an SMF cannot dampen engine vibration as well as a DMF.

What does the dual mass flywheel do?

The dual mass flywheel allows driving at lower engine speeds thus increasing engine efficiency. This in turn saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions as well as any vibration that can cause “gear rattling” & “body booms”. As with any wearing component, over time the damping springs and mechanism begin to wear and weaken.

Is a dual mass flywheel a wear and tear item?

No, you won’t burn-out your new clutch plate if you fail to replace the flywheel. Many, (if not most) modern cars have what are called ‘dual mass’ flywheels. Dual mass flywheels wear. Usually, by the time the clutch plate needs to be replaced, the flywheel also needs to be replaced.

Do dual mass flywheels make a noise?

A dual mass flywheel actually dampens excessive vibrations from the engine, which are most noticeable at idle. If you have excessive rattles and noises coming from the flywheel unit, that almost always means that the dual mass flywheel is starting to fail.

How much does it cost to replace a dual mass flywheel?

Dual mass flywheels are very expensive to replace. The list price for the flywheel alone is typically $800 to $1100. Add in a couple hundred bucks for a new clutch and clutch disk, plus labor to replace all the parts and you end up with a sizable repair bill.

How long do dual mass flywheels last?

We asked AA technical specialist Vanessa Guyll to explain the issue. She told us: “David’s Vectra uses a complex dual-mass flywheel. These smooth out the vibrations from modern, powerful diesel engines. They’re not as reliable as solid flywheels, but should last at least four to five years.”

Is a dual mass flywheel covered by warranty?

They are fitted to almost all diesel engined cars with manual transmissions and many petrol engined cars as well. But if failure of the dual mass flywheel is responsible for loss of drive it is usually covered by the warranty, together with any consequential damage to the clutch.

Why would you need to replace a flywheel?

If you notice the gears constantly slipping when you shift the clutch, a bad flywheel could be the culprit. There are other reasons for gear slippage, but if you also notice small metal shavings in the transmission fluid, the flywheel is to blame.

How long will a noisy dual mass flywheel last?

All depends how the clutch and DMF have been treated driving wise. I could kill one in five minutes or treat it correctly and it could last 200K miles.

What are the benefits of a dual mass flywheel?

Nonetheless, other benefits of dual mass flywheels include smoother clutch operation, improved gear shifts, an overall reduction in vibration throughout the vehicle, and on some applications, even a marginal increase in fuel economy.

What exactly is a “dual mass flywheel”?

The dual mass flywheel in basic terms is composed of two plates with dampener springs between the two plates. The springs absorb vibration/noise, however, over time they wear out and the two plates develop excessive movement between each other, which in extreme cases has been seen to even crack the tranny case.

How does a dual mass flywheel work?

When you start the vehicle the dual mass flywheel works to absorb vibration as energy travels outward from the engine to the transmission. When you turn off the engine, the dual mass flywheel also absorbs the energy released as the drive train parts slow down and stop moving.

Should I change the dual mass flywheel?

Flywheel Replacement. If your vehicle has remained stock and you do not tow heavy and regularly, and the original dual mass flywheel has lasted over 100,000 miles, then go ahead and replace the dual mass flywheel with another one. If you have chipped the engine or performed other modifications, or if you tow heavy, or if the life you got out of the original dual mass flywheel was poor, then if a single mass solid flywheel conversion option is available, now would be the time to do it.