EdupradaAre you wondering when to change your flywheel? What are the symptoms of a HS flywheel?
In this article we explain everything you need to know about changing the flywheel to prevent more serious damage from being felt.
How long will my flywheel last?
The flywheel is a robust part that is designed to last more than 200,000 kilometers . Note, however, that the dual-mass flywheel has a shorter lifespan than a rigid model.
If it ever breaks before 100,000 km , contact your manufacturer. Repair costs may be covered partially and sometimes even completely.
What are the signs of an out of order flywheel
Several symptoms can indicate a faulty flywheel , even if it is not necessarily easy to ensure that it is this particular part that is malfunctioning.
Vibrations at the clutch pedal
Often, a HS flywheel causes significant vibrations in the engine block and the clutch pedal . These vibrations can have various causes, but most often, it is the flywheel which is responsible.
Difficult gear changes
When the engine is running at low revs, your gears can become difficult to shift . Be careful, this situation causes damage to the clutch ! If, at the same time, you observe vibrations and a clicking noise when engaging the clutch, there is no longer any doubt, your flywheel is broken .
A clicking noise when shifting into gear at idle
Another symptom that can occur in the event of a broken flywheel is a clicking noise that can be heard when you engage the clutch at idle. Be careful !
How do I test the condition of my flywheel?
Several signs indicate a poor condition of the flywheel : significant vibrations at the clutch pedal , a clicking noise at idle or difficulty shifting gears .
You can also carry out a self-diagnosis using the TDC sensor . Also called crankshaft sensor , it can return you a fault code, providing certain information on circuit failures which may be caused by an anomaly in the flywheel .
However, be careful of 2 things: it may be the sensor that is defective. On the other hand, the fault codes returned by the TDC sensor can have variable meanings. To decipher them, it is best to seek advice from a professional.
How can I increase the lifespan of my flywheel?
Being directly connected to the clutch and interacting a lot with it, the speed of wear of the flywheel is often linked to that of your clutch . The causes of wear are otherwise similar. Use neutral as soon as possible and without moderation . When possible, avoid traffic jams and short journeys in town, drive carefully and respect mechanical parts, avoid jerks , shift gears calmly.
Should I change my flywheel at the same time as my clutch kit?
If your car has a rigid flywheel , you do not have to change it at the same time as your clutch kit . Conversely, with a dual-mass flywheel, we advise you to do so.
Little tip: in the event of replacement, we advise you to opt for a rigid flywheel, the classic model, rather than a dual-mass one; its lifespan is longer and it encounters fewer problems.
How much does it cost to change my flywheel?
Changing the flywheel is very expensive and even more so when you have to change the entire clutch kit with it. This is explained by the high labor time, up to 9 hours for certain vehicles, and by the price of the part, sometimes more than 1000 euros for a new flywheel.
So count between 150 euros and 2400 euros for a change of flywheel and clutch kit, parts and labor included. Given the amounts, it is best to compare quotes from garages near you.
Even if your flywheel has a long lifespan, have it examined as soon as the first symptoms appear. If it is HS, make an appointment with one of our Trusted Mechanics.