Flywheels
What is a flywheel?
Your car's flywheel is a weighty, round disc connected to the engine's crankshaft. The main job of a flywheel is to store kinetic energy that can be used to power your vehicle and prevent it from stalling.
There are two types of flywheel; Solid Flywheel and Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF). As the names suggest, a solid flywheel is a single piece of material with a simple, traditional design. A Dual Mass Flywheel consists of two separate sections connected by a dampening mechanism. Dual Mass Flywheels reduce vibration and noise, providing a quieter and smoother driving experience.
If you think there's a problem with your flywheel, Halfords are always here to help. Buy online for delivery to your home or collect from a nearby branch. Alternatively, if you're unsure where the nearest Halfords is, you can contact your local garage - opens in a new tab to arrange a replacement by our expert team.
What are the signs of a faulty flywheel?
Flywheels are usually highly durable engine components, but like any car part, they can have issues and wear over time. Here are the things to watch out for:
Problems with your clutch: A worn-out or damaged flywheel can cause clutch problems. If changing gears is tricky or you notice slipping, you might need to replace your flywheel.
Strange noises: Unusual noises, like grinding or rattling, may suggest you have a flywheel issue.
Vibrations: If you notice odd vibrations, particularly when engaging your clutch, you may have a problem with your flywheel.
Burning smell: A burning smell from the clutch area could be a sign of excess friction which can damage your flywheel.
Difficulty starting the engine: A damaged flywheel ring gear can make it difficult to start the engine. If you hear a grinding noise while starting the car, it may be a sign of a flywheel issue.
Visible damage: Check the flywheel for signs of damage, such as cracks, heat spots, or worn-out teeth. Dual Mass Flywheels are made of several parts. The amount of play in a Dual Mass Flywheel can be measured to determine its serviceability.
Mileage and wear: Like many components in a car, the lifespan of a flywheel can depend on driving conditions and maintenance. If a vehicle has high mileage or is heavily used, the flywheel may eventually wear out and need replacing.
Clutch kits
A new clutch kit - opens in a new tab features all the key elements of a car's clutch, including a centre plate, pressure plate, and release bearing. Some kits also include a Dual Mass Flywheel, but often, flywheels are sold separately. All of which can improve your vehicle's performance. Choose between the best reputable brands at Halfords, such as a Sachs or LuK clutch kit.
Transmission
The transmission - opens in a new tab system provides power to your wheels and keeps you moving forward (or backwards if you're in reverse). Driving with a damaged transmission system is dangerous for you and your passengers, so it's essential to sort out the problem as soon as possible.
Fly Wheels FAQs
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Do flywheels come in a clutch kit?
Yes, a new clutch kit usually has all the essential parts of a car's clutch system, including a flywheel. At Halfords, our clutch kits include a centre plate, pressure plate, release bearing and some also include a dual mass flywheel. All of which can improve your vehicle's performance.
What happens when your flywheel breaks?
If your dual mass flywheel is damaged or breaks, changing gears can be tricky. There's also a risk of causing irreversible damage to your clutch system, which can be expensive to fix.
Can you drive with a broken flywheel?
We wouldn't recommend driving with a damaged flywheel. Doing so may lead to your car not working at all. So, it's a good idea to fix flywheel issues quickly.
Are fly wheels expensive to replace?
It can be costly to replace a damaged flywheel as it involves removing the transmission and or engine. You can use Halfords' car part finder - opens in a new tab for an accurate cost estimate.
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