How to change a flywheel?
Inspection,  Car device,  Machine operation

How to change a flywheel?

If you hear a knock while trying to start a cold car engine, hear unusual sounds in the neutral position, or feel strong vibrations and clicks when stopping or starting, you are likely to have problems with the flywheel.

How to change a flywheel

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best not to wait too long, but check the flywheel. If you cannot check it yourself, then the solution is to visit the workshop, where they will probably find out if there is a problem with the flywheel and whether it needs to be replaced.

If there is a problem with a worn or cracked flywheel, and you really need to replace it, you have two options. Either leave it to service specialists or try to handle it yourself.

If you choose the first option, all concerns about the replacement will disappear, and you only need to leave your car in the service center and pick it up a few days later with the replaced flywheel. The only drawback (let's call it that) is that in addition to the money you have to give for the new flywheel, you also have to pay for the work of the mechanics in the service.
If you choose option 2, you must be absolutely sure that you have good technical knowledge and can handle it yourself. We are talking about this because the flywheel replacement procedure itself is not very complicated, but access to it can cause many problems.

How to change a flywheel?

How to change the flywheel yourself?
 

Start with a preparation that includes tools such as:

  • stand or jack for lifting a car
  • set of wrenches
  • rattles
  • screwdrivers
  • pliers
  • specialized detergent
  • wiping cloth
  • Prepare a new flywheel to replace protective clothing (gloves and goggles) and you are ready to start.
  1. Turn off the car and make sure that you disconnect the battery cables.
  2. Remove the drive wheels if necessary (only if necessary).
  3. Lift the car upright or with a jack at a comfortable working height.
  4. To get to the flywheel, you need to disassemble the clutch and gearbox. Keep in mind that this is actually the most complex process that will take you a long time.
  5. Once you have removed the clutch and gearbox, you already have access to the flywheel, and you can begin to remove it.
  6. The flywheel is fixed with several mounting bolts. You will easily notice them because they are located in the center of the flywheel. Using a suitable tool, carefully unscrew them. (To facilitate your work, unscrew the bolts crosswise).
  7. Be careful when removing the flywheel. Keep in mind that it is quite heavy, and if you are not ready, it is possible that you drop it and get hurt when you remove it.
  8. Before starting to install a new flywheel, check the clutch condition, and if you notice something is wrong, it is worth considering whether it is better to replace the clutch kit + flywheel.
  9. Also check drive bearings and flywheel seals and, if you are not completely sure that they are in order, replace them.
  10. Inspect the already removed flywheel. If you notice dark spots, wear or cracks on the hard part, it means that you really need to replace it with a new one.
  11. Before installing a new flywheel, thoroughly clean the area with detergent and a clean cloth.
  12. Install the flywheel in the reverse order. Securely tighten the mounting bolts and make sure that the flywheel housing is positioned correctly.
  13. Attach the clutch and gearbox. Connect all objects and cables that you removed and make sure that you handle them in accordance with the vehicle's instructions.
  14. After the shift, test drive.
How to change a flywheel?

How to change the flywheel gear?
 

If, after removing the flywheel, you find that the problem is mainly related to a worn gear, you can only replace it and save by buying a flywheel.

To replace the flywheel ring gear you will need:

  • chisel (copper or brass)
  • a hammer
  • new teething ring
  • electric oven or stove
  • When the item heats up, you will need goggles and thicker gloves as protective clothing.

The flywheel toothed ring is replaced as follows:

  1. Remove the flywheel and inspect the crown (crown). If it is very worn out and really needs to be replaced, place the flywheel on a solid base and use a chisel to strike even blows around the perimeter of the crown.
  2. If the crown cannot be removed this way, turn on the oven or electric stove 250 degrees and place the handwheel in it for several minutes. Be careful not to overheat it.
  3. When the flywheel heats up, lay it back on a flat surface and use a chisel to remove the ring gear.
  4. Clean the area with a towel
  5. Take a new wreath and heat it. This is necessary in order to be able to increase its diameter before installation and to easily "install" into place. The oven temperature should again be around 250 degrees, and heating should be done very carefully. Under no circumstances should the metal turn red
  6. When it reaches the required temperature for thermal expansion, remove the resin from the oven and place it on the flywheel. A few minutes after installation, it cools down and adheres tightly to the flywheel.
How to change a flywheel?

In what situations is it necessary to change the flywheel?
 

You know that every car has a flywheel. This component plays a very important role both when starting the engine and when shifting gears.

Unfortunately, flywheels are not eternal. Over time, they wear out and crack, are unable to effectively perform their functions and require replacement.

Change becomes necessary, especially if symptoms such as:

  • Transmission Shift - If you notice that when shifting into a new gear, it "flips" or stays in neutral, this is an indication that the flywheel needs to be replaced. If it is not replaced in time, the clutch will also be damaged over time
  • Speed ​​Problem – If you are having problems with the speed of your car, the cause is most likely a worn flywheel.
  • Clutch Pedal Vibration – If the clutch pedal vibrates more and more when pressed, it usually means there is a problem with the flywheel. Usually in this case it is a weak spring or seal, but it is possible that the problem is a worn flywheel, and then it needs to be replaced.
  • Increased fuel consumption - increased fuel consumption can be a sign of other problems, but nothing prevents you from paying attention to the flywheel, as this is often the reason you fill up with gas at any gas station
  • The clutch is replaceable - although it is not necessary to change the flywheel at the same time as the clutch, all experts advise you to do so as both the clutch kit and the flywheel have about the same lifespan.

Flywheel replacement costs
 

Prices for changing a flywheel depend mainly on the model and make of the car, and also on whether the flywheel is one or two. Flywheels are available on the market at prices ranging from 300 to 400 levs. And also those whose price may exceed 1000 levs.

Of course, you always have a chance to find a flywheel at a fairly good price, but to succeed, you need to follow the promotions and discounts that the leading auto parts stores offer.

The replacement of this component in the service center is also not very low, but, fortunately, most specialized services offer pretty good discounts if you buy a flywheel from them.

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