Clutch/Flywheel Question

[hlenoble]

I finally sold the 535i and bought an E36 328is. I realize that this is the 5-series board, but you have helped me so many times I come here first. Also old habits die hard.

I am having the clutch replaced as it started to slip a little bit. The clutch kit did not come with a flywheel, and my mechanic called me today and let me know that the flywheel is a 2-piece unit and cannot be machined. He recommended that I buy a new one. Of course a new flywheel is not cheap, and additionally I was planning to drive to TX in 3 days to see my son get back home from his 15 month long Iraq tour.

My question is: Would I be making a big mistake if I have the original flywheel put back in? Any other ideas?

[bubba966]

Have heard that it is actually possible to machine a dual mass flywheel. But apparently you must go very slow and be rather careful in doing it. Which is why most people either don't know how to or won't machine a dual mass flywheel.

How bad is the old flywheel? Is it grooved or just glazed? If just glazed cleaning most/all of it off should make it fine for reuse. If it's grooved it'll eat the clutch faster and not grab as well, both of which will cause you to replace the clutch sooner than normal.

[Ross]

You mentioned the old clutch was "starting to slip" so hopefully the flywheel isn't buggered up.
A good scuff job with an orbital sander will give the flywheel enough "tooth" to bed in the new clutch without glazing it.
The two piece "dual mass" flywheels are EXpensive.

[Adnan]

I finally sold the 535i and bought an E36 328is. I realize that this is the 5-series board, but you have helped me so many times I come here first. Also old habits die hard.

I am having the clutch replaced as it started to slip a little bit. The clutch kit did not come with a flywheel, and my mechanic called me today and let me know that the flywheel is a 2-piece unit and cannot be machined. He recommended that I buy a new one. Of course a new flywheel is not cheap, and additionally I was planning to drive to TX in 3 days to see my son get back home from his 15 month long Iraq tour.

My question is: Would I be making a big mistake if I have the original flywheel put back in? Any other ideas?

Hi,

The flywheel doesn't have to automatically be replaced, only if it's worn out or defective. With the dual-mass wheels, there is a way to test it and I think it has to do with checking the spring that hold the two masses. If the spring is stiff enough and the face isn't scored too badly, keep it.

For what a new flywheel costs, I would absolutely keep the old one and see how the car drives.

Regards,
Adnan

[hlenoble]

Thanks for the quick replies and great information. After several discussions with other mechanics, my mechanic was able to use his sander and get a nice even surface and is confident that everything will be fine. I am picking the car up tomorrow morning and am looking forward to heading to TX on Sunday. It's about 1800 miles each way so it will be a good test of the new clutch...