Clutch flywheel: description, types, purpose and principle of operation

Everyone knows that the main task of the engine is to convert the energy to torque. Transmission is carried out through a special flywheel disk clutch. This node is available in any car. How it works and functions? About all this and not only - later in our article.

Characteristic

When a fuel-air mixture burns, a huge energy release is generated. The explosion is accompanied by a stroke of the piston, which, in turn, is connected to the crankshaft. The latter has a flywheel on its end. It is he who passes the twisting moment to the box, and then to the wheels. But between the engine and the gearbox there is one more detail - the clutch basket. The flywheel transmits the torque unevenly. To smooth it, the device has a friction disk. Thanks to the latter, the car is able to smoothly move and switch from high to low gear (and vice versa).

Thus, the clutch flywheel performs several functions:

• Provides an even rotation of the crankshaft.
• Transmits the torque to the transmission.
• Runs the engine from the starter.

The last characteristic will be given special attention. Along the circumference of the flywheel there are teeth (crown). They get into gear with the starter bendix. When the driver turns the ignition key, the current flows to the electric motor. The coupling (bendix) starts to engage with the flywheel crown. The crankshaft is gaining momentum. This is how the engine is successfully started.

Note that the flywheel itself is a round disk with a diameter of 30 to 40 centimeters. It is located between the clutch basket and the end of the crankshaft. At the second end of the shaft there is a pulley (by means of the belt drive , the timing is activated, the GUR system and the air conditioner). There are 3 types of flywheels. The features of each of them will be considered further.

Solid

These flywheels are made of cast iron. They have steel teeth on the outer surface. Very popular in the automotive industry. They are installed on budget models.

Sports

Their main advantage is low weight. In comparison with the previous type, such flywheels weigh one and a half kilograms less. So the motor is easier to spin to high speed. However, its inertia also decreases - for everyday use such an element is not suitable.

Two-mass

They appeared relatively recently. Used on cars of the concern "Audi-Volkswagen". Also this flywheel is called damper. And if the previous two perform the function of only the transmission of torque, then the two-mass also acts as a clutch. The design of the node is more technological. The element dampens vibrations and vibrations, reduces noise and wear of synchronizers. Ideal for powerful modern engines. Why is now using this kind of grip? The dual-mass flywheel is able to transmit torque to the box as smoothly as possible, due to the operation of damper springs. The weight of the knot is an order of magnitude lower than that of the analogs. Also the element is very compact.

Device

The clutch handbrake includes several elements:

• A package of springs.
• Planetary gear.
• Radial bearing.
• Spring pack rest.
• Separating "slider".
• Auxiliary housing.
• Axial bearing.
• The housing for lubrication.

All this is placed in the main body of the flywheel.

How does it work

Consider the principle of action. The damper flywheel of the clutch has a stepped algorithm of operation. First, a soft package of springs is used. They affect the start and stop of ICE. The second package has more rigid springs, so that damping of the oscillations is ensured. All vibrations from the internal combustion engine are absorbed by these springs.

Both packages are connected by means of two plain bearings :

• Persistent.
• Radial.

About shortcomings

Why not on all cars the complete set of coupling by a flywheel of two-mass type is supplied? The first reason is the complexity of the design. The node uses a lot of elements (take at least two separate housings with their springs), which, in addition, are filled with special lubrication. If this element fails, the replacement of the flywheel clutch will cost 700-900 dollars. The next minus is a low resource. These flywheels rarely live to one hundred thousand. They do not like the active ride mode with "kick-down". Sharply throw the clutch pedal and overload the car here will not work, otherwise the durability and life of the mechanism will remain in question. Such cars do not like complex maneuvers. Also this clutch must be adjusted. Drive hard drive leads to increased wear of the linings. If the problem is not eliminated in time, the load on the elements of the gearbox (including the synchronizers) increases. At one point, the inclusion of the transmissions will be accompanied by a characteristic crunch. And at startup there is a noise of a starter. In this case, the clutch flywheel requires urgent diagnosis. To get to it, you need to remove not only the starter, but the transmission itself. And this is additional costs.

What kills the clutch flywheel?

As noted by the reviews, the resource of this element is 100-150 thousand kilometers. Experts say that this period is associated with improper operation of the flywheel clutch. And it's not just a kick-down. Often owners (especially on diesel engines) choose the lowest speed range. In theory, this should reduce the load on the motor and reduce fuel consumption. In practice, the level of vibrations of the flywheel increases. Damper springs are constantly used in the work. Operating under load, they do not withstand such operating conditions. Also on the resource affects the number of starts ICE. Frequent operation of the motor in the start / stop mode increases the load on the first package of springs. Also, vibrations occur because of interruptions in the operation of ignition and injection systems. This also reduces the life of the flywheel clutch. If it is commercial transport, great attention is paid to overloading. When the car is loaded more than normal, the load not only on the gearbox, but also on the clutch flywheel increases. It overheats. The springs are flying out. They do not tolerate such loads.

Noise when switching

Many owners are faced with the problem of operating such flywheels. There is a noise when changing gears. In this case, experts note the wear of the axial bearing, which is located between the secondary and primary shaft. This happens due to the high load on the node. Also, the color of the flywheel acquires a yellowish tinge. Wear is increased due to lack of lubrication between the bodies. As a result, the "sliders", springs and plates work "on dry". The problem is treated only by replacing the assembly.

So, we found out what the clutch flywheel is, how it works and how it works.