How VW Dual Mass Flywheels Fail

[@websurfer1585]

It always amazes me that for decades things have worked perfectly, then comes along some bright spark who decides to make something simple more complicated, and in the process bring complexity and problems to something that has always worked fine?

[@gabbor2904]

My thoughts exactly. I am still not convinced it is actually helpful or intentionally creating more service needs. I am not a mechanic therefore did a little digging and still don't understand why we actually need this "improvement". The argument I found was that modern cars are more powerful and normal clutch can't handle that. Errmm... My son has a 1.4l petrol engine with DMF... I am pretty sure that my 1.6i sports car was way more powerful 20 odd years ago and that had regular flywheel. I just knew how to use the clutch? Confused...

[@Cheepchipsable]

Apparently more do do with the uptake of diesel in the consumer car market. The vibration thing seems to be more of a diesel problem.

[@agt155]

@@Cheepchipsable Common rail Diesels = big torque spikes. Traditional spring damped clutch plates (people like to forget this) no longer provide enough damping.

[@warwickstingray]

Try driving a diesel that has several hundred pounds of feet of torque below 2000rpm and can pull a 36mph per 1000rpm 6th gear from as low as 1200rpm. The dual mass absorbs the movement that occurs each time a cylinder fires at very low rpm. This movement would bottom out a standard clutches springs straight away or they would need to be stiff enough that the gearbox would have to absorb the pulses instead. As engine speed increases this disappears. If you only drive over 2000rpm or so you can get away without one but surely that defeats the point of buying a very modern Diesel engine with all that low end in the first place.

[@AnIdiotAboard_]

But its not that simple is it, put a SMF on a modern diesel, good luck driving that bitch at less than 1500 rpm, cos it will judder like a male dog smelling an in heat bitch. It smothes out the power strokes and there worth there weight in gold. The piss take with them is they could easily be made to last the life of the car, and you can get aftermarket jobs that will do the life of the car, my A3 has 220,000 miles on the clock (BKD) and the flywheel is now on its forth clutch and still rock solid, yes, it cost me more than a grand to buy, but there £300 each for OEM ones and HAVE to be done with the clutch, so its £1000 for OEM, every 50,000 miles or so, or £1000 upfront, and £200 clutches every 50,000 miles. Had the same on my Focus CMAX DM02, 350,000 miles before it went to scrap, DMF had more clutches than a hooker does clients on a friday night in soho.

[@stevesje71]

One of the main reasons a DMF is there is to absorb vibration and kick from the engine before it gets to the transmission. DMFs provide a dampener for your transmission and enable manufacturers to produce lighter and less robust transmissions. That translates to cheaper lighter and weaker. Fitting a SM flywheel is more likely to knock out a bearing or damage another transmission component rather than damage the engine

[@dylanknight4752]

It’s a good explanation! A lot of shops will say it’s a bad bearing if they don’t know much about dual mass flywheels and they suggest replacing the whole trans! When I’m reality, it’s just a dmf.

[@underwaterdick]

Great explanation of the VW DMF failure. I had signs of DMF problems in my MK1 Seat Leon ASZ 1.9TDI (MK4 Golf), it started with a grinding feeling when the clutch plate engaged, but also a 'chattering' noise at the point of flywheel to clutch engagement. Ended up fitting a stronger clutch plate and single mass flywheel, it was well worth doing. Yes there was increased noise and vibration at lower revs, but not something you would notice unless looking for it, none of my passengers ever questioned the noise. Changing the clutch and flywheel took around 6 hours on a gravel driveway with a pair of axle stands and trolley jack. Certainly a DIY job for those with time and basic tools. (And the willingness to give it a go). That car has been scrapped now, but it did 202000 miles whilst the body and subframe deteriorated around it. In the end I had to get rid of it because getting it through an MOT here in the UK was going to cost too much in parts alone for a tatty car. The engine and gearbox.... Not started in 4 months yet cranked strongly straight away when someone came to take it off me. Thankfully the engine and possibly gearbox live on inside someone's MK4 Golf 😁

[@theunknowngamer8321]

Had a severe failure on an ARL Seat Leon 1.9. Rattle on shutdown. Ran fine for a minute, then noticed the gearstick violently shaking back and forth and the vehicle making extremely unusual sounds as it tried to shake itself apart. I found multiple hot spots on the dual mass. That much play I'm surprised it was still in one piece. And finally, a hole in the bottom of it with something poking out. Surprisingly there was no damage to anything on the engine or the gearbox

[@dunebasher1971]

I've just replaced the DMF and clutch on my 2008 Golf Mk5 TDI. My clue that there was a problem was a rattling/grinding noise at idle - not as bad as in HM's video, but definitely there; it sounded like it was coming from somewhere deep in the engine bay, and it went away when you pressed the clutch pedal. I used a mechanic's stethoscope to confirm it was coming from the transmission. It's a pretty straightforward job to replace it, it's mainly just time-consuming, although I was completely unprepared for how heavy the transmission was and while I was able to use gravity to get it out, it was impossible for me to bench-press it back in while laying on my back. I had to call a mobile clutch guy just to wrestle the box back in for me. FWIW, from the point of originally noticing the noise to actually fixing it took over a year. The car is my daily and drove just fine in that time. When I got the old DMF out, it wasn't *that* loose; I was expecting it to be in a much worse state than it was.

[@julianjunior3899]

One of the best explanations so far of a dual mass flywheel. Well done!

[@HumbleMechanic]

+JulianJunior Thank you

[@Deontjie]

Yes, but talking a bit too fast.

[@stevemarks9360]

No it's completely wrong! I used to be a plant manager of the company that invented them (luk) and I guarantee this is wrong! The dual mass fly wheel is a torsional damper.

[@kcube2548]

@@stevemarks9360 lol now we know why you used to be one

[@danielrobinson7769]

You are epic! I’ve got a VW Passat 06 and have heard this noise for ages. I thought it was probably to do with the clutch as when I depress the clutch the noise goes away ta-dah. That video you play at 2:29 is the EXACT noise coming from under my engine. Now I know what the issue is I can do some research before going in blind to a mechanic. Thank you!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Great vid! I have an '03 GTI VR6 with almost 150K miles on it, that has been vibrating a lot lately, and not shifting crisply/smoothly. It was just diagnosed with a damaged DMF and probably worn clutch. It amazes me that after 22 years of ownership as my daily driver, that the DMF and clutch lasted this long! Yes, the car has been garaged & 'babied' all these years, and maintained well, and driven normally (rarely aggressively). I've never changed the 6-speed manual transmission oil though. So even though i've had 22 year old oil in the gearbox, the transmission has held up nicely. Anyway, a local well respected garage that specialized in Euro cars, especially German, quoted me $1950 for the job, and they're putting in a SMF. The engine is perfect, so I could probably get another 10 to 20 years out of it, I figure!

[@McAmber]

Good video, I am still curious what sound in early fail stage this dual mass flywheel has on vw golf 6.

[@redXiXpredator]

Been searching for a few days on this problem, that's the exact same noise that has stated in my Passat b5 DSG, ive got a added squeel when deaccelerating, gave me certainty on what part to buy, thank you 👍

[@worthowaste]

Will a single mass conversion do any damage to the gearbox or engine due to more vibration?

[@louisjames1062]

Sasho read stories of cranks snapping due to it

[@reeco357]

1 out of every 1000

[@aygwm]

More stress on the trans with a single mass.

[@worthowaste]

I did this conversion and I am quite pleased of it. I have a polo 1.9tdi. There is some chatter noise it its bearable

[@Zevmusix]

I dont usually leave comments but amazing video even 9 years later

[@HumbleMechanic]

thank you

[@Alban77777]

Soon I have to replace the clutch in my mk4 TDI but I am In dilemma Tu put smf or dmf? The last one is very expensive Your advice thanks

[@bojned]

They say DMF protects transmission. On the other hand, second hand transmission is a lot of cheaper than a DMF. Just of curiosity, did you switch to SMF and how it performed?

[@terrygoyan]

I've been driving manual transmission cars and trucks all my life (61' bug, 65' mustang, 59' chevy fleet side, and currently a 2014 taco) and always thought smooth engagement was up to the operator! Never had chatter problems or longevity issues. Sound like DM flywheels are another way to up the price of repairs to me. Really!

[@gurjindersingh199]

Terry Goyan exactly how I feel about it

[@0record0]

4 cylinder diesels in audis like 1.9tdi vibrate quite a bit, it is good having a dual mass. I had two 1.9tdi’s one with dual mass and one without it Imo worth it Although a lighter flywheel would be better for perfomance

[@malcolmyoung7866]

One of the reasons for dual mass 'technology' is to prevent deterioration of gearbox components, many of which are now plastic or composites..so the DMF is meant to help prevent those components from failures...However, as I contemplate the replacement of my DMF on my VW LT35 (not available in North America butt basically a Merc Sprinter) I also note the very expensive replacement kits, as mentioned by Charles. 'Stealerships' will charge well over 1500-00 Pounds for replacement, including parts...You can easily find LT35's for sale or being stripped because these parts make them uneconomic to repair..Shame really, they are decent vans.

[@shaneebahera8566]

not every operator is going to super smooth with the gear changes the dmf also increases transmission life and is cheaper to replace than a broken transmission. I have seen cars converted to SMF and the transmission went out after a few months

[@ergomedasa1362]

I actually ended paying the mechanic a total of aprox 3500$(in Norway) for replacing clutch + dmf. I was thinking of getting a smf but was warned against it and they then told me that the vibrations in a smf would wear out the transmission/gearbox way faster, do you know if this is true? Great video btw, keep up the good work.

[@teinepolaarsus6728]

Yes

[@lukatron5498]

My nissan almera 2.2 diesel DMF went after 40000 miles!! replaced with SMF 24 years later and nearly 300000 miles on the clock slightly more rattley not one fault and still going strong and my wallet is bigger!!

[@mattymag2394]

My 07 Audi needs a clutch job, mechanic quoted $1900 CDN for the DMF. Found that LuK sells them for $650 CDN. Now just got 9 hours of labor to save for.

[@aygwm]

Ouch

[@MegaWayneD]

Had this happen on my last two VW-based cars, a SEAT Leon TDI (based on a Mk4 Golf) and a VW Sharan, the latter actually destroyed the whole gearbox. Both cars had over 100,000 miles on them. I replaced the SEAT's with a SMF and I really couldn't notice any difference in vibration. These days I drive an automatic Mercedes...

[@teinepolaarsus6728]

Yeah cause you drive over 2000rpm

[@MegaWayneD]

@@teinepolaarsus6728 er... wut?

[@mikewalton5787]

I bought my GTI new and the dual mass flywheel went out at 54K miles. I'm mechanically inclined and can fix most anything on a car. I skipped the warranty and replaced it with a one piece flywheel because I had intentions to do an APR flash. In the end, I decided against the APR flash as my car is plenty quick for me. I have 113K on my GTI on the original engine and the only other problem I had was the intake manifold needed replace. $170 for a new intake and I cleaned the intake valves while I was at it. My car has been great other than these two things.

[@TTRVision]

in east Europe are some good shops that rebuild them (if the damage is not definitive) by resurfacing , balancing , replacing the springs, etc. this is not possible for all models , it depends of the spare parts , quite hard to find. the cost is around 180 $ / unit.

[@mahamedbaciise1975]

Hello, can you explain to me the Gds gearbox, the advantages and disadvantages, and how many kilos to change the oil, and is it the same as the normal gear, why some cars when the brakes are worn out, and some when the brakes are worn out? Thank you, engineer.

[@888899991]

i have a b8 s4, my mechanic says its the DMF and to go to SMF but i dont hear any noise, i just have a hard time getting into 1st/2nd as i think the clutch isnt totally disengaging when the pedal is depressed.

[@happytrails7179]

Great video! I got a brand new DMF sent but uppon inspection it has some broken chips on the outside circunference of the face, not the teeth ring. Nothing seems to be lose inside nor funny noises. Do you think I should send it back? Thanks

[@CiniMini69]

Get the single mas conversion kit guys. Done it several times - YOU CAN NOT FEEL DE DIFFERENCE. Greetings from Germany!

[@lukatron5498]

totally!!!

[@kitshicker9591]

149,000 miles on my '06 Ibiza 1.9 PD and the DMF has just started to knock. They can last a decent amount of time if you drive the car in a certain way, ie. not lugging the engine at low RPMs, not holding the car on an incline with the clutch instead of the brakes, not dropping the clutch hard and not pulling away without bringing the revs above ~1100-1200RPM

[@karatepielover]

Great video. I have a DMF from a different make but the clear explanation and especially the video that showed the failing sound was brilliant.

[@joseh.r4634]

Exactly if you don't take care about the first simpthoms like vibrations after replace the dual mass flywheel by the cheap one (single mass) that's it will be whole transmission &transaxle assembly and the rear differential damage, I know it by own experience...

[@SarahnTuned]

My flywheel just did this ☹️

[@HumbleMechanic]

Oh no!!!!

[@Beparepa]

Same

[@jonnyiles4665]

Think mine has too 🙄🤦🏻‍♂️😤

[@LITTLERASCAL210]

Common fault on the audi mine cost £630 to get fixed. Better than that noise though

[@SebastianBlix]

Same😢 @humblemechanic I know this vid is like half a decade old lol, but maybe you could shed some light on replacing the DMF with a SMF in DSG MK6 Golf R?

[@wileecoyote4028]

Hey Charles, are the DMF failures more prevalent on the MK5 TDIs or the MK5 2.5 gas engines? I see tons of youtube failures on the TDIs only. I am suspecting this dual-flywheel wear stems from the TDIs low end torque coupled with spirited stop and go driving. I've never heard of a single mass flywheel failing BEFORE a clutch failing.

[@Megalocade]

My old dmf started squeaking and cherping at idle thought a family of birds where nesting in the bell housing it would make a rattle when the clutch was half down, eventually it rattled all the time, wasn't really that worn when I took it out, but loose enough to rattle, they are an awful design and designed to fleece the customer even more never hear anything good about dmfs designed by dickhead, I changed it to single mass flywheel conversion.

[@gotindrachenhart]

My 2012 GTi wouldn't go into gear one night. Turns out the clutch failed. With only 47K miles on it!! I find this rather shocking as my previous car was an '04 Golf TDi with 148K miles at trade in for this car.......it was on the OEM clutch still. I can drive rather fast at times and tend to downshift all the time. But still it isn't like I'm riding the thing or not matching RPM. But FFS 47K miles?!? So, the OEM parts were some $1400.....said nuts to that....had them install a stage 2 kit with Teflon. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer! Thanks for the video man! I'm going to watch the rest of your VW series for sure!

[@jpi201]

The clutch on my 2013 golf just failed at 50000km. The clutch plate failed where It is riveted to the springs. $1600 repair.

[@imbackinthegame3611]

Would you recommend a Single Mass Flywheel in a Daily 1.9 TDI 02M?

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

I like SMF in a mk4… but I guess with the low end torque in a diesel a lot of people say the DMF. At the end of the day we out here trying to keep these ol baddies on the road as long as possible 😂

[@HeidiVBall]

Could something like this occur from a catastrophic event, say driving through water or something that could lodge between the plates if the car floats for a short period of time?

[@aygwm]

I don’t think submersion in water would cause such a failure. If you’re that deep in water you’d have other problems.

[@Beparepa]

Why do I have a feeling you drove through a deep puddle

[@christianstarkey7476]

Hi there, great video. My vw T5 has just started rattling about a month ago. It has got progressively more noticeable. It’s definitely nowhere as bad as your example in the video. It mainly rattled when starting the car and accelerating/going over bumps in the road. Just wondering if you think the car is still safe to drive for much longer? I want to go on a trip this weekend, only 2 hour drive, but nervous about something going wrong. Thanks

[@kweisel]

How long did you wait? Did you ever take your trip?

[@BMXESCAZU]

And what about dmf for dsg? How can i upgrade it? I have a dsg tt 08 with k04 and flywheel die every track day... Sachs said that it only support 300 lbft. And my car have more than that. I already have tcu tune... maybe tcu problem or dmf are at the limit?

[@upupandaway5646]

Endless thank yous.👍👍Going to a solid flywheel.Is there any reported damage to crank .etc

[@Mellchior]

I just finished installing a Stage 2 clutch kit with single mass flywheel in. MKV GTI. Yes, the DMF was comfy and quiet, but the SMFW is MUCH more fun to drive. Single mass for me any day, even with all of the chatter sounds.

[@davidjackson3553]

Brigand253 I’ve got a MK4 V5 and will be replacing front shocks next week. I have an old VR6 SMF knocking about which I think will fit. Worth the work/money on a new clutch to change whilst I am down there?

[@worthowaste]

04:16 if the flywheel is balanced. The may be very little to no vibrations

[@lucasc86]

Hi, I'm waiting for the buyback of my TDI (Canada), my DMF started to make sounds 20 000 km (12 000 miles) ago and in the last month it started to slip when changing from 1st to 2nd. My question is: should I park the car and stop using it in case the DMF completely fails? Currently it's only when the car is cold, does it gives you any ideas on on worse it is ?

[@bencrosbie]

Lucas Côté had that problem myself and the dealer wont redo the work and wants another 1700 I should have got a solicitor but later on I changed it myself. Made to rip people off.

[@tiqo8549]

I had mine replaced on my VW this week to a Single mass. Noise is gone, car vibrates a little more, but hey..it's fixed! (2015 VW Polo).

[@guyver96]

Would you or do you have any videos with a single mass flywheel commentary or review? id love to see you review the Valeo SMF kit for the 02M mk4... 6spd...

[@Chocolatesideup]

I am experiencing the exact same issue with my Audi b8 2009. Been driving it over a year like this because Audi insiders told me that if I wait for it to break, the repair cost will be the same as instant replacement. But if you say it might damage the transmission... I will be contacting some mechanics and ask for a price estimate for single mass flywheel.

[@ichewtoast111]

Question, will a SM flywheel increase gas mileage due to less rotating mass or do the DM and SM weigh pretty similar?

[@teinepolaarsus6728]

No

[@intestinalworm1202]

I have to have mine done - diagnosed today - yes, very expensive job! You just mentioned a manual transmission, but this is a VW Passat with auto 6-spd wet clutch DSG. Is it essentially the same set-up?

[@ainstaink8312]

Interesting video...If I am able to move the two masses of the flywheel with my hand does that mean the springs inside of the flywheel hae gotten weak or even broke? In other words, I have the flywheel still bolted on the engine, and I am able to move the "second mass" that attached to the pressure plate about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch with my hand.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ainstain K That amount of movement is normal.

[@ainstaink8312]

HumbleMechanic The vehicle has 167k miles and the clutch was original. Should I replace the DMF just to be safe or I am ok reusing it? Thank You for the previous comment!!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Ainstain K That is a tough call. I would consider replacing it. That way you will not have to remove the transmission again if the DMF develops an issue.

[@wernermuller9527]

Hi, thanks for the video. How much must the flywheel bolts be torqued? And is it necessary to use new bolts?

[@spawntohell]

hi, that is a very damaged dmf...what brand of dual mass replacement do you recommend for vw group?

[@cedicol]

I hate those flywheels. I drive a Nissan Navara (Frontier) and about 50.000km ago the thing was replaced. Now it's back to the rattle in the can. This time I go for a SMF one. I'm sick of this cr.p.

[@garybaris139]

@Hassan Ali And you probably drive a Ford... ;-) lol

[@garybaris139]

@Hassan Ali Nailed it, didn't I? Lol

[@garybaris139]

@Hassan Ali My sympathies, almost as bad. ;-) Hehehehe

[@garybaris139]

Audi, VW, Same shit. I'd never touch one again.I'd way rather drive Japanese than German crap. Japanese way outlasts German crap with a fraction of the maintenance costs. I had a V6 Audi and while it was the nicest drive ever, it was also the most unreliable shit I ever owned and cost a bloody fortune to maintain. That's why they have no resale value.

[@gslevegsleve]

Hey Humblemechanic I would like to pose a question. I had my clutch disc go qt 17k on my 2013 tdi. They knew it was a bad disc and stated they would replace with upgraded part. However I was able to see the part they took out it had holes all around within the friction material and the other side the friction material separated. I had asked them to replace the DMF as well so as not to have to come back but they left the DMF. I was not really happy at all. IT has been 20k now and the clutch is exhibiting similar signs again. Why would the tech not replace the DMF at this time to avoid further issues.

[@HumbleMechanic]

gsleve That is a good questions with a lot of different possibilities. I sure as hell would replace the DMF. IT may be due to warranty costs at the dealer being high, it could be laziness, it may be that he just didn't know any better. I think I will push this to a Q&A show if that is cool with you? I find it very interesting.

[@GallowayChicago]

Hay HumbleMechanic, You didn't explain why the DMF in your video has the center cut out. I don't want to get into if the dealer classifies this as a defect, but would you? How many other main drive train parts have to be cut out upon failure? TDI love from Chicago

[@jeffoh5787]

It's been six years since you posted this video, want to brush up and come change mine for me? lol. All seriousness though, I've been trying to figure out what this sound was on my '11 A3 TDI and found this video. Thank you very much for the info!

[@JoJoJoker]

My DSG's just failed. Is requiring the clutch required?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Maybe. There are only 3 repairs. 1) mech unit. 2) Clutch pack. 3) entire unit.

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

@@HumbleMechanic DSG failed Dual Mass Flywheel a possible 4th?

[@kristian43]

question! If you drive too long with bad dmf can you damage the crankshaft bearings? Sory if bad english

[@David-js5yk]

Vw polo just had dmf replacement at 43000 miles. Vw now recommended changing to non dm flywheel and repleacing the drive shaft

[@teachertechnology1]

So it is true that they're issuing DMF to SMF conversions at dealership?

[@David-js5yk]

@@teachertechnology1 yes, it’s hot off the press that they are now replacing dmf with smf. A couple of months ago they were going to put in a replacement dmf, but no longer. I gather there have been so many replacement DMF s . Maybe they will see how going back to the smf works.

[@WolfyRayRay]

How would I tell if the noise I'm hearing is the DMF or a worn out throwout bearing? (2003 Jetta TDi 5spd)

[@shemcf6]

I just replaced my clutch in my 96 cabrio2.0 aba and after having my ex boyfriend take over with the install of new clutch I doesn't grab in first gear but reverse and 2nd-5thgears are fine however after riding the clutch to get the car going and taking it around the block there was an awful smell (pretty sure my clutch) what could this be caused by? Bad flywheel? Clutch cable? Is my new clutch pooched? It's only been around the block and back all my fluids are replaced and push rod and throw out bearing seem to be fine..... I really don't know what it could be but I have a hunch my flywheel wasn't properly machined....

[@s9523pink]

I just had this happen to my GTI, it has around 96000 miles on it. I’m replacing my DMF with an SMF!

[@asapvlone13]

How did the single mass flywheel go??

[@sb7539]

How come you can't get a DMF refurbished IF its only a few springs worn or damaged in side of it? I'm sure they wont cost a $1000. Its just an other way garages rip people off

[@sheba6779]

Hi great video 👍🏼 , I have a question please. I have a 2005 GTI 5 speed 1.8t and purchased my second south bend daily clutch. I’m having clutch chatter after the run in period. Which is wired because my first south bend daily clutch never had any problems with chattering. What do you think might cause clutch chatter from my second new clutch install. Thank you

[@matejsolid]

I have MKV Golf 2.0 TDI with 220,000 km's without service record. I bought it at 210,000 km's and it had bad noise in upper right region of engine cover,when you press clutch it almost goes silent,I made 10,000 km's meanwhile and now there is almost no noise. Few mechanic said that DMF is going to fail but there isnt noise anymore,no changes on clutch,only get vibrations at idle. Recently local mechanic only tightened one hose which made terrible noise,otherwise no change were done to car.

[@KurtG85]

Potential for failure again down the road? Are you saying the dual mass flywheel is less reliable or that using a cheaper smf might cause damage/failure through vibration?

[@Nicktrance1]

There's also, of course, the advantage of weight and resulting increase of moment of inertia, although that's probably not a big enough advantage compared to the NVH increase for a daily driver.

[@Nicktrance1]

***** Agreed, I wouldn't go so far as to say lightened flywheels unless it's a track car but if mine broke I'd definitely go SMF especially for fast road use, comfort is not something I care about most in my cars, within reason of course. maybe when I'm old... but by then everybody will probably have EVs anyway and definitely no manuals :s.

[@LITTLERASCAL210]

Wow mine just went as soon as I press the clutch in slightly it starts knocking really distinctive and very embarrassing whilst waiting at the traffic lights next to a school 😩 Just took it into my local dealer Syed top man charged me £630 better than what I expected.. Great video thanks

[@Pshicoman]

Hello ! I have a volkswagen cc tdi DSG from 2013 and i have to change the flywheel but i was wondering if after the change my car will go smoother , the car is vibrating at lower Rpm like 1200 - 1400 rpm , will the change of the flywheel resolve this problem also ? If u're reading and answering this Thankyou Verry Much ! :D

[@linhai1]

on my tdi the bad dual mass clutch cracked the crankshaft.i've changed the crankshaft and went for valeo simple mass clutch

[@HumbleMechanic]

DAMN! I have never head of that.

[@linhai1]

HumbleMechanic the car is the "newer" 1.9 tdi bls with dpf and known for weaker conrods and crankshaft.the car was very wobbly from the dmf and after 7h of driving and 700km the engine started to knock .

[@GTRliffe]

This concept is underrated in the aftermarket i can see it benefits done with fluid and billet, similar to stall converter workings just imagine having two harmonic balancers, maybe 2k extra revs. Our s15 felt much nicer with one than without

[@robertberes7402]

Good video. What do you think about the DMF, in an automatic car? The torque converter can calm the engine vibration, making the DMF unnecessary, or if it fail i should replace it? I have a straight 5, petrol engine with DMF, with classic automatic, can i use a single mass flywheel?

[@chrismosley409]

i have an 02 beetle 1.8 ltr. turbo. the clutch went out a few weeks ago. I have everything apart and I do have the dmf set up. my question is, is there a pilot bearing on these cars? I think I see one in there but it doesn't seem to be as thick walled as some ive seen. I saw a you tube video of a guy who changed a clutch on the same year model car and said there wasn't one. also ive looked for kits and none of them seem to include a pilot bearing.

[@gabeszur]

I have exactly the same noise coming from under the hood... but it's an automatic transmission on a 2006 jetta tdi... Does it also have a flywheel? Didn't think so, so what else could it be? Thanks for any suggestions...

[@lukatron5498]

low transmission oil or really dirty change it

[@jovanoti]

Let me tell you my story with VW flywheel failures. I am from Bulgaria, EU member state. I own VW Polo 1.4 TDI 90 hp 2014. It had the same noises as in your video, so I decided that I'm gonna change the flywheel. My uncle is a car mechanic and I brought the car to him. When we dismounted the flywheel we started to search it by its catalog number (04B105264B) in the local car parts dealers with no success. After some time spent in researching the issue I found that this part is not available in any car part dealer in the country and EU as a whole. It seems that VW had been having an action to replace the DMF for this particular model (including 75 and 105 hp modifications, it's the same 3 cyl. engine) with SMF kit but I had not know this at the time. Finally I found that a Polish company recycles old failed flywheels. I also found that there is a single mass clutch kit available in a car parts dealer from the Netherlands. Interesting fact for the SMF clutch kit is that it includes right drive shaft which should be replaced. The new shaft is thicker than the original one. But replacing the DMF with a single one *probably* includes re-programming of the ECU, which I'm not sure we can do on our own. So basically I have 2 safe options now - buy recycled flywheel (400 euros for the part and the delivery) or bring the car to VW (2000 euros) for replacing with single mass clutch kit.

[@quinnhugentobler7901]

Mine sounds just like that when I idle my Jetta. But it goes away once I rev it up from 800 rpm to 1000 rpm. Any thoughts?

[@loves2adv561]

Its failing if it makes any noise. Replace before it becomes more expensive

[@loves2adv561]

Just noticed it was 4 years old, my bad. Hope it all worked out ok for you

[@Francisco-j1e]

So what you did after 4 years???

[@danielmadrigal5513]

So does this Apply to the DSG transmission also? My DSG is making a noise when im in park or neutral then in drive it goes away. Im Sure its a DMF. Right?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It does apply to the DSG. It could very well be the noise you have.

[@Narty0846]

+HumbleMechanic first thank you for your great video. I have the same problem i have a dsg6 with flywheel noise during coldstart in neutral or parking.. It is a very characteristic sound. The car has 65 000 km.. If i replace the flywheel is it necessary to change the clutch pack of the dsg ?

[@taur73]

+HumbleMechanic why does my clutch jerks when in 1 gear from a standstill,, its worse when cold,, (audi a4 2.0 tdi 2008)

[@0dentro]

Hey Charles, great video! I have a 2007 passat with the 2.0 tdi engine and it vibrates and shakes when accelerating, my mechanic said it is the DMF, can it be anything else, Like a clogged egr valve (I read that on Google) ? Thank you for your help

[@ericknowles7255]

I'm so back and forth with this whole thing. ! I don't want to hear noise I can't deal with weird noises with my cars. So will a smf bother me. ? And also how long if I buy a Luk dmf and new clutch. I have stage 2 tune stock turbos. What's a guess on how long a brand new set up can last me? Thanks for video !

[@HumbleMechanic]

I’d run dmf. A smf on a TDI is very noticeable in my opinion.

[@ericknowles7255]

I have a 2001 s4 B5 2.7 T. But yea after all the stuff I read about smf I don't like noise so I bought a Luk dmf with a Luk clutch kit. I do have stage 2 tune in my car so I will certainly put Luk to the rest. But I don't go on racetracks or beat the piss out of my car so should be good for couple years at least I'd hope !

[@ericknowles7255]

And thanks for your reply ! This video helped out of a lot of them. If only someone could do a video with the smf and dmf and actually show people, that would be great ! But still you explain d very well and it was helpful.

[@BOSSArcticCat]

Can just the dual mass flywheel be replaced using an oem style clutch? Or do both have to be changed and why is there different weights of flywheels?

[@zizogaucho9035]

Is the dmf heavier of most smf? I wonder how the rev drops instantly when i lift my foot off the throttle if it was a really heavy flywheel. (is it because of the diesel engine?) In an other car (petrol) with smf, revs don't drop as fast as in the diesel vehicle with dmf.

[@Voss2120]

If you dont mind a little noise at low RPMs, get a SM fly wheel. The SM fly wheel makes more chatter because is has no dampeners are is typically lighter. However, if you dont mind a little noise and a stiffer clutch, get one. The thing will last you forever and never fail because their is now extra moving parts, just one hunk of metal. Plus its cheaper.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Voss2120 Yea, that is the cheapest option for sure. And a good one for long term. I really like the way DMF feels, especially on a daily driver.

[@peglor]

+HumbleMechanic Part of the benefit of the DMF is that it reduces peak stress in all the components around it. Replacing with SMF increases the likelihood of crank shaft failure, especially on common rail engines designed with only DMF use in mind. It doesn't seem to be an issue on PD and older engines. To get the best life from a DMF never let the engine labour at low RPM and even though a DMF makes it feel acceptably smooth, always release the clutch slowly rather than dropping it in suddenly after gear changes. Driven like this the DMF should last as long as the clutch.

[@ErikThePieMan]

+Voss2120 Watch the LUK explanation video. Cars designed for DMF should use a DMF. The single mass will wear out other components that were not designed for it.

[@nihonkokusai]

ErikThePieMan explain to me why it should fail with a smf. As long the weight is the same in total why would it fail. By the way engines are internally balanced aswell. Is this just a way to drive more comfortable with a diesel car instead of the juddering like before. And it costs too much this part. I could easily buy a spare tdi engine with the cost of this flywheel.

[@clustermaster8456]

Hi, great channel :-) This may be a dumb question, but is it possible for the flywheel on a new beetle to cause intermittent cranking? I've went through 2 starter solenoid in 1 month and I'm wondering if I may have a damaged flywheel? Thx :-)

[@nwskipro]

are there instances where a dmf can begin failing and be noisy 24/7, clutch engaged or disengaged? 2007 S4 with bad tapping after timing chain overhaul and fw/clutch replacement. Suspect I installed damaged fw...

[@ryanshower9820]

About a year ago I had to have my transmission replaced on my 2008 Rabbit by a reputable VW shop. They recommended I do a SMF conversion and I agreed. My question is that since everything has been replaced, the clutch pedal depresses with little to no resistance compared to before (the pedal is super light). Is this a symptom of the SMF, or another issues (Master cylinder, air in the clutch line, etc...)?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Probably just the difference between the 2 clutches you have

[@CarloLeonKolega]

Care to do a single vs dual mass flyweel on the same car, ex. VW to see whats the difference. Im thinking to switch to regular flyweel but I dont know how much vibrations is really.

[@FrankieGRAI]

I loved the video Charles! I have a MK4 2004 VW Jetta GLI 2.8L 24v VR6 6 speed Manual 02M. Planning to buy a South Bend Daily Stage 3. Do I need to buy a new Dual Mass Flywheel, or should I keep the one that came with my car as OEM? I think mine is DMF LuK 240mm. Should I buy a brand new DMF from LuK that matches mine? Mine is almost 20 years old or should I switch to a Single Mass Flywheel? I hate to install a brand-new aftermarket Clutch of this caliber and keep the old DMF. If you recommend replacing the DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL, with a SMF brand model, will it go well on the MK4 platform for this car? Sorry for these type of rookie questions, I am pretty sure you get asked these all the time, my apologies, but someone told me that you are the MK4 expert in the whole east coast.

[@JoelCaseyJonesMusic]

I don’t know if you have already bought the clutch and installed it but I don’t think south bend makes a stage 3 daily for DMF so you’d need to use SMF. That being said I wouldn’t go DMF unless it came in the vehicle that I bought, and once I was dropping the trans to swap a clutch pressure plate or throw out bearing… I’d change to SMF. Less room for failure. Hope that helps.

[@josiedubois5854]

I have an automatic 2006 VW Beetle, and the video you showed sounds just like the flywheel. My only question is..... you said in a manual, so I’m wondering if it’s sounding just like that is it the flywheel in the automatic, or something else?

[@klx125jump]

Nice video! I have a question, I have a 2010 Jetta 2.5 that makes a sort of tapping sound when the clutch is depressed. The tapping can also be felt in the shift knob with your hand. The tapping is not very loud but I was wondering if this could be the beginning of a DMF failure. Also, the sound goes away as soon as I pull out the clutch. What do you think? Thank you!

[@HumbleMechanic]

it sure could be. or even another part of the clutch. But if you do the work to check the DMF I'd replace the clutch too.

[@kevinmccourt6546]

Hi Charles, I have a rattling/vibration coming from my clutch system when in neutral but when I push the clutch pedal down just a half inch it goes away. Is this a bad throwout bearing?

[@lennycook206]

OK so as there are loads of us with this issue past or present. How many miles did you nurse it along for before getting the job done? 100% goin to replace with the cheaper, stronger single. Especially considering my car is 16 years old and to spend dual money is crazy. If it was less than 5 years old, I'd probably wanna replace like for like.

[@baztidbury5823]

Would the car juddering in reverse only indicate dmf issue?

[@michaelayalaathotmai]

Switching to a SM flywheel removes the protection a DM flywheel offers to adjoining parts: To achieve greater fuel efficiency, the internal transmission parts were made lighter and need the "cushion" of the DM flywheel to absorb the shock of engagement, so it is not necessarily merely a cost-free option to switch to a SM flywheel. There may be adverse consequences on the other parts not designed to withstand the greater stress that results from engagement with a SM flywheel, and I expect it will be a bit more expensive to rebuild a transmission than to replace a flywheel and clutch.

[@Unholyxer]

Well said. I never buy this story of: "This is just more expensive and worse. They just invented it to make money." It sounds more like an opinion rather than an actual explanation of why it is useless and why it does not impact anything else on the car. There is always more than meets the eye and these things are developed for specific reasons and have scientific explanations for existing. If you skip changing the oil, or use really bad quality oil, the car will also still run with little to no difference, does that mean better oil does nothing? People need to research more before making conclusions about something they do not fully understand...

[@boykorolyuk]

if just doing the clutch does the flywheel need to be replaced?

[@edvinnelius8213]

the solution is to buy the regular old school flywheel conversion kit for your car or truck, comes with a regular old school flywheel, flywheel bolts and clutch kit. these kits are available for most vehicles and is the best solution.

[@georgettefass8639]

2006 Jetta TDI how much does it cost to replace clutch & flywheel? Book value is about $3,000 what do I do?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Georgette Fass I would fix the clutch. Even if it cost $1000. That gen TDI holds its value VERY well.

[@Dcc357]

Wonder if their newest DMF's have the same problem. I'd hate that to happen if the clutch isn't worn yet.

[@knocoboc]

I have a question.My 2008 Altima 3.5l 6 speed needed a DM flywheel ...could not find an OE or even an aftermarket flywheel for this model in the whole country...Canada....can this flywheel be repaired by some how replacing the springs?.....thanks Don

[@uptownsamcv]

I have a 02 Maxima with 238,000 miles and it seems as if the DMF springs have weakened to the point where taking off from a dead stop feels horrible. has that worn engine mount feeling. I installed energy suspension polyurethane mount bushings so now I'm suspecting that its the DMF. what do you think?

[@Phil-D83]

What is a good place to get a replacement kit?

[@georgekuersten5984]

I was changing oil in my friends turbo diesel 2006 Jetta, and heard the dreaded Rattle. She had 80K on the car. Volkswagen would not warranty it, so she sold it on Craigslist. When I researched the issue, I found it was a common problem, esp. for that year. I'm a heavy diesel tech., and early Ford powerstep kestrel had the same problem. I lost all respect for Volkswagen after that.

[@_jav_jav9897]

I bought a 2009 TDI CBEA common rail with what sounded off like bad lifters. You know, that clacking noise..... Ordered from Latvia, replaced them suckers, put all back together to find out that clacking noise was still there. F....CK... Should have realized this was piston slapping from the beginning. Any tips or advice how to differentiate between these two? Think that will help a lot of us out there to keep from replacing what is otherwise fine and determine the real cause of the problem - this kind of problem at least. Thanks a lot love you videos for their simplicity and down to earth language.

[@ryanulrich2027]

So whats the deal with the VW triptronic auto trans with this clutch? I believe VW uses this instead of a tourque converter. Am I correct??

[@HumbleMechanic]

No the Tiptronic cars use a normal automatic transmission with a torque converter.

[@compu85]

+Ryan Ulrich It depends on which "tiptronic" transmission you're talking about. The DSG is tiptronic and has 2 clutches, but there are also traditional automatics equipped with tiptronic.

[@morganough9236]

The VW/Audi Tiptronic is a traditional automatic with a torque converter. The DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) is basically a manual gearbox with an automatic clutch actuator and shift mechanism. It uses a pair of multi-plate clutches to handle the gear changes (odd no. gears on one, evens on the other) this allows for a faster gear change thus the engine spends less time at idle during a shift giving an increase in acceleration and economy. The shift time on a DSG is around 1/4 of a second compared to the 2 seconds of a traditional gear change.

[@attentiontodetail4568]

Mine has just went, been to scrapyard and got a used one for £50. Not planning on keeping my 04 Golf 1.9 for to long though.... only has 103k on the clock aswell smh. Going to be fun fitting it tomorrow 😅

[@attentiontodetail4568]

Well it’s done took 11 hours without in-shop machinery 😅 2 jacks and some wood chunks now though a pipe has went as some point so my turbo isn’t getting enough air/hole somewhere.....absolute nightmare

[@attentiontodetail4568]

Shot clip where my DMF has a huge hole init how the F does this happen?!?!

[@derek876544]

Just had my vw crafter done £1400 not cheap I would have done it myself but no ramp 😭 I was looking at fitting a solid state flywheel but was advised it can cause gearbox problems

[@Pushinpedal]

Does a 2001 Wolfsburg Jetta 5speed have a dmf or a standard flywheel I’m have that same clunk clunk sound

[@webpro607]

What the reason of noises when I release the clutch pedal and only when engine is cold and 1 or 2 gear?