The flywheel is a part that stores energy. It charges through rotation and provides torque on demand. This is very important for engines that would otherwise experience strong vibrations. Engines are getting smaller and more powerful, which is why the construction of the flywheel needed an update. Today, the dual-mass flywheel is gradually becoming standard. This has a number of advantages and also causes higher costs.

Its construction condemns the piston engine to shaking and rattling. It starts with an explosion that pushes a piston. This linear movement is absorbed by a connecting rod and the crankshaft via two joints. The linear movement is then converted into a rotational movement. This rotation is ultimately passed on to the clutch and from there to the gearbox.

Single-cylinder four-stroke engines cannot function without a flywheel. These engines must generate enough force in one piston stroke to effect the next three strokes. Multi-cylinder radial engines, on the other hand, can do without a flywheel.

In recent years, car engines have become much more powerful and deliver more power with fewer cylinders. Generating 100 HP with a three-cylinder engine and barely 1 liter of cylinder capacity is now standard. The problem is the vibrations this causes, which could lead to destructive resonance. This can cause serious damage to the engine and gear.

Before the large increase in power, the flywheel integrated into the clutch disc was sufficient for smooth running of the engine. This is no longer sufficient for today's engines. These require a flywheel that stores the rotational energy and also reliably separates the engine vibrations from the gearbox. The dual-mass flywheel was developed for this purpose.

The dual-mass flywheel is a separate component that is no longer integrated into the clutch disc. It is listed and sold separately.

Replacement of the flywheel

Replacing a dual mass flywheel is just as complicated as replacing a clutch. Both procedures are the same. The service life of the flywheel corresponds to approximately 150,000 km. When the clutch disc needs to be replaced after 120,000 km, it is recommended to replace the dual mass flywheel at the same time, which saves you a lot of work and results in a fully functional clutch.

The disadvantage of the dual mass flywheel is its price. It starts at 250 EUR. More realistic are the prices of 500 – 600 EUR for a high-quality and durable replacement part.

It is better for a do-it-yourselfer to save time than to save on material: when the flywheel has to be dismantled, it makes sense to replace the clutch. It is important to replace the clutch as a complete set. All associated parts such as gaskets and bearing must also be renewed. This guarantees a completely reliable clutch for the next 120,000 km.

To replace the dual-mass flywheel, the gearbox must be disassembled. This can only happen underneath.