What is a dual-mass flywheel and how to find out if it is faulty

If you notice that your car vibrates too much and it's not due to a lack of alignment and balance, you probably need to check the dual mass flywheel and make sure it's not damaged.

There are elements of our car that perhaps we did not know existed, elements of which we have to be aware of to avoid a future breakdown. An example of this is the dual-mass flywheel, a mechanical element present in many modern cars.

The failure of this component can lead to unexpected and high costs for many car drivers.

 What is a dual mass flywheel?

As its name indicates, this component is a flywheel with two masses, it could be called a metal plate connected to the crankshaft of the car, whose objective is to transmit the force generated by the engine to the gearbox.

The clutch disc, or friction plate, is attached to the flywheel to transmit the car's power to the gearbox and put the car in motion. This is machined from metal and carefully balanced so that the transmission of power from the engine is smooth, progressive and vibration-free. It should be noted that, without a flywheel, the vibrations generated by the engine's own operation would be unbearable, in addition to the fact that power would not be properly transmitted to the gearbox.

However, dual-mass flywheels consist of two metal plates instead of one. Both are connected by a series of bearings and springs that dampen the vibrations generated by the engines more effectively, making driving much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Usually dual-mass flywheels can be found in almost any modern diesel car, although they are also present in gasoline mechanics and in three-cylinder engines.

 How can you tell if the dual mass flywheel is damaged?

Like all parts of a car, time and wear will cause the springs and bearings to wear out and not perform their functions properly. Causes of this premature wear include aggressive driving, extended city driving or low speed driving which places the dual-mass flywheel under heavy mechanical stress.

All this game dampens the vibrations of the mechanics. But this game should not be excessive. A dual-mass flywheel in poor condition will generate vibrations, especially when starting off or idling, this is a warning sign that the flywheel is malfunctioning and you should visit your trusted mechanic as soon as possible.

Another way to detect that it is faulty is because the car vibrates excessively when we gently release the clutch when starting from a standstill, although it could also be heard when turning off the engine. If you notice the engine shutting off abruptly instead of smoothly and quietly, it's time to go in for repair.

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