Common Issues
What is a Flywheel?
The flywheel in your car sits between the engine and clutch, helping to make driving smooth and reduce stalling by balancing out the up and down motion of the engine’s pistons. If you don’t know how single-mass and dual-mass flywheels work, and what role they play in a car, read below. Our guide on how flywheels work will answer these questions (and more).
Lifespan of a flywheel
Flywheels are heavy-duty car parts that should provide years of faithful service. However, leaks from the engine crankshaft seal or gearbox input shaft seal can allow unwanted oil onto the flywheel. This can cause clutch slippage, in turn generating excessive friction and heat, which can warp the flywheel and, in some cases, cause heat cracks. This can also be caused by a worn and slipping clutch. As well as the potential for damage and warping, dual mass flywheels are complicated pieces of engineering with more moving parts that can fail.
Your flywheel should last between 80-100,000 miles but this can depend on your driving style, driving conditions and the condition of your car. Flywheels are fit-and-forget parts on most cars, but if your flywheel begins to fail there are some things to look out for.
How can I tell if my flywheel is damaged?
Some of the signs your flywheel may be damaged include:
What's the difference between a single-mass flywheel and a dual-mass flywheel?
Single-mass flywheels are thick metal discs made from iron, steel, or in some cases, aluminium. On the outside edge of the flywheel is a toothed ring gear that when engaged with the starter motor, starts the engine. The flywheel is connected directly to the crankshaft and contained within the bell housing of the gearbox. One side is machined flat, to provide a stable connecting surface for the clutch plate.
Many modern cars are fitted with dual-mass flywheels. Made from two flywheels, one is connected to the clutch and the other to the crankshaft. They're joined by a series of springs that act as mechanical dampeners, reducing damage that could be caused by engine vibrations.