A flywheel is a critical component in any car. However, it is very popular for the worst reasons, as it is one of the leading causes of visits to the mechanic.
To understand what it is and avoid problems, keep reading to find out how it works, the main types, and how much this component costs.
What is a Flywheel?
A flywheel is a vehicle part that connects the engine and the clutch. Made of steel, it is circular and mounted on the back of the engine.
The back of the part is smooth, with holes along the side to relieve pressure and a toothed rim, which turns a car’s engine when it starts.
What is the Purpose of the Flywheel?
The primary purpose of this part is to direct the force from the engine to the transmission through the clutch.
In vehicles with a manual gearbox, the flywheel is responsible for smoothing out the engine’s torque and distributing it so that the transmission isn’t under too much pressure.
Where is the Flywheel?
The flywheel is usually next to the engine crankshaft, closer to the gearbox, near the clutch.
What Types of Flywheels Are There?
There are two types of flywheels: single-mass flywheels and dual-mass flywheels.
What is a Single-mass Flywheel?
The single-mass flywheel has a single mass – it is made up of a single steel or metal part.
It also has no moving parts, providing direct contact between the clutch assembly and engine.
Single-mass Flywheel: What it’s for and How it Works
As it only has a single suspended mass, a single-mass flywheel can be less effective at cancelling out noise and vibrations. As such, it’s normal to hear a noise coming from the engine.
However, a single-mass flywheel allows for lighter driving with higher and faster revving, making it ideal for racing engines or off-road driving.
What is a Dual-mass Flywheel?
Dual-mass flywheels contain two suspended masses, which effectively cancel out vibrations from the engine to the transmission. This makes the vehicle run more smoothly.
Although it serves the same purpose as a single-mass flywheel, the difference is in the performance.
Dual-mass Flywheel: What it’s for and How it Works
Dual-mass flywheels improve vehicle handling, providing for smoother, more stable driving.
Dual-mass flywheels also increase vehicle efficiency and overall performance, as they are made of lightweight, resistant materials.
In other words, even when idling, they do an excellent job of isolating vibrations.
How Can a Dual-mass Flywheel Affect the Clutch?
As it reduces vibrations and oscillations that can impair its operation, a dual-mass flywheel helps extend the service life of the clutch system.
It can also boost acceleration and improve vehicle performance, as it improves smoothness and increases transmission efficiency.
What are the Signs of Flywheel Failure?
The first signs of flywheel failure are:
- The car won’t start;
- Clutch pedal down;
- Burning smell coming from the engine;
- Inability to change speed;
- Excessive vibrations of the clutch pedal;
- When you engage a gear, it returns to neutral.
What are the Symptoms that your Dual-mass Flywheel Needs Replacing?
As with other components in your vehicle, it is essential to pay attention to some symptoms that indicate that something is wrong with your dual-mass flywheel, such as:
- Vibration when placing your foot on the clutch;
- A rattling or metallic knocking sound;
- Noises coming from the engine, especially when turned off.
Replacing or installing this component is a time-consuming and costly process.
How much does a Flywheel cost?
The price of a new flywheel can vary between 150 and 500 euros. On top of that, there’s the cost of changing it.
Since the part is fitted to the back of the engine, it requires a lot of labour hours.
So, if you’re considering replacing this vehicle part, expect a total cost of over 1000 euros.
Which Flywheel Tools are Available in the KROFtools catalogue?
You’ll find specific tools to carry out a good maintenance and repair service on this component in the KROFtools catalogue.
Ford Flywheel Locking Tool
With this tool, you can loosen and tighten the flywheel and crankshaft pulley on the following Ford models:
- C-MAX (07-17);
- S-MAX (06-17);
- EcoSport (13-17);
- Edge (15-17);
- Fiesta (13-17);
- Focus (04-17);
- Galaxy (06-17);
- Kuga (08-17);
- Mondeo (07-17.
Click on the image to find out more about our Ford Flywheel Locking Tool (Ref. 1656).
Mercedes M651 Flywheel Locking Tool
This tool allows you to work on 1.8 and 2.1 diesel engines (M651) in the following models:
- A-Class;
- B-Class;
- C-Class;
- CLA-Class;
- E-Class;
- GLA-Class;
- GLK-Class.
Click on the image to find out more about our Mercedes M651 Flywheel locking tool (Ref. 8763).
BMW/Mini Flywheel Locking Tool
This tool is used to hold parts while you loosen and tighten the crankshaft pulley and flywheel.
It is compatible with various BMW/Mini engine models such as the N40, N45(T), and W17.
Click on the image to find out more about our BMW/Mini Flywheel locking tool (Ref. 1709).
Mercedes/Renault 0.9/1.3/1.6 Petrol Flywheel Locking Tool
This tool is designed to lock the flywheel to allow for the easy removal of the crankshaft pulley and flywheel bolts.
It can be used on 0.9, 1.3, & 1.6 petrol engines of the Mercedes-Benz and Renault ranges and in the Dacia Dokker, Lodgy (since 2019) and Duster (since 2018).
Click on the image to find out more about our Mercedes/Renault 0.9/1.3/1.6 Petrol locking tool (Ref. 1702).
The model you’ll need depends on the use you’ll make of it.
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