Flywheel Repair & Replacement
Also called flywheel machining
The flywheel is the steel disc on the end of the crankshaft that the clutch plate grips. Heat from slipping scores and cracks its face, and the starter ring gear teeth can chip. A dual mass flywheel can also develop excessive play. Fitting a new clutch to a damaged flywheel causes judder and early failure, so we inspect it every time. Depending on condition it is machined flat, or replaced. Machining is not possible once the face is below its minimum thickness.
Signs you need this
- Judder when pulling away that returns after a new clutch
- A rattle or growl from the bell housing at idle that changes when the clutch is pressed
- Grinding or a crunch when starting the engine
- Deep grooves, blue discolouration or fine cracks visible on the flywheel face
- A burning smell and slipping after a period of heavy clutch use
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Flywheel face inspected for scoring, heat cracking, warping and blue marks
- Thickness measured before machining is considered
- Ring gear teeth checked for chips and wear, which cause starter grinding
- Dual mass flywheel checked for rotational play and rock where fitted
- Machining or replacement carried out with bolts torqued to specification
- Crankshaft rear seal checked for leaks while access is open
How we do it
Inspect with the clutch off
With the gearbox and clutch removed, the flywheel face and ring gear are inspected and measured properly.
Measure before machining
Thickness and flatness are measured, because a flywheel below minimum thickness cannot safely be machined again.
Check play on dual mass
Where a dual mass flywheel is fitted, rotational play and rock are checked against limits rather than judged by feel.
Machine or replace
The face is machined flat if it is within limits, otherwise a replacement is quoted with the reason explained.
Reassemble and test
Bolts are torqued to specification, the clutch is fitted and centred, and the car is road tested for judder.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book flywheel repair & replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.