As technology advances, so does the industry. There are few industries in which this change is obvious, and the car industry is one of them. When we take a look back and see how far we’ve come with the technological advances in the automotive industry, people have to admire the dedication behind it all.
Some designs simply didn’t work over time, but other solutions ended up being just the thing this industry needs to advance. The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) is one of those absolutely amazing designs. This article aims to show you what exactly DMF is and it aims to help you understand all there is about DMF. So, let’s dive straight into it and learn more about dual-mass flywheels and their application.
What Is a Dual Mass Flywheel?
Basically, DMF is a part of a standard transmission and clutch assembly. It’s not included in a clutch kit, but it’s rather a different component of the clutch’s assembly, like a clutch fork or a slave cylinder. Its primary function is to reduce vibration and noises. Simply put, DMF acts as a “sponge” of sorts dampening the driving harshness through the two flywheels connected with the series of high-strength springs.
So, the primary function of a DMF is to absorb shocks and reduce noise and vibrations. Primary Flywheel is connected to the rear of the engine’s crankshaft, while the Secondary Flywheel is attached to the first one through a series of high-performance springs. The secondary flywheel slightly rotates when the clutch is released. There are different types of DMF designs, and almost every manufacturer has their own way of producing this essential element, but they all work by the same principle. Without it, starting a car, changing gears, and idling would be much harder for your car. Of course, the levels of DMF reliability depend a lot on your driving style and on proper maintenance.
Common Issues with Dual Mass Flywheels
Probably one of the biggest and most common issues people have with DMF is how often they have to be changed, as well as how much they cost. To make things even worse, the DMF unit can’t be resurfaced or fixed, but you simply have to throw it away once it gets worn out.
It can be hard to detect a problem with your DMF unit, because most of the issues with it may also mean you have issues with your clutch. However, some of these problems occur more commonly when you’re facing problems with your DMF. For example, hearing a lot of banging and rattling sounds from the bell housing usually means your DMF has failed. If you start hearing these noises, make sure you replace your DMF unit as soon as possible, as it may cause a series of other problems.
If you were thinking about upgrading your engine with a turbocharger, for example, take into consideration the fact that your DMF unit was made for specific engine strength. Enhancing the power of your engine will most definitely affect your DMF unit, as they are made specifically for the engine power your car had when it left the factory. Also, if you notice that your clutch is slipping, especially in higher gears, but you don’t smell the facings burning up, you probably have a problem with the DMF unit, and you should check it out as soon as possible.
Replacing a Dual Mass Flywheel or Converting to a Single Mass Flywheel?
When your DMF unit fails, you will need some help replacing it. However, it’s not that strange to get a completely different piece of advice. That advice is to switch to a Single Mass Flywheel (SMF). Now, there are few arguments for both of these cases, and in the end, it’s up to you, but here’s what you should know first.
Replacing a DMF unit is usually much more expensive than SMF. Combined with the fact that every DMF unit simply must be replaced at one point, you might see what the problem might be. Having a part you have to regularly replace for quite a lot of money isn’t the best solution. However, replacing the worn out DMF unit will restore your vehicle’s stock feel and performance.
When you’re thinking about these changes, it would be best to talk to professionals. For example, most Australian mechanics suggest changing DMF for an SMF as soon as it wears out for the first time. The best way to do this is to contact professionals for mechanical repairs in Sydney and use them to both help you solve your issue and learn more about it. You might lose a bit of your comfort, but you will save quite a lot of money in the long run.
Wrapping It Up
Every vehicle needs thorough maintenance in order to function properly. Your clutch needs care, and so does your DMF unit. It’s a useful part of your clutch assembly, but when it breaks down, you will have to replace it, which isn’t cheap. Make sure you talk with your mechanic and learn as much as you can about DMF and SMF, so you could make the best possible choice.
