Everyone knows that the main task of the engine is to convert energy to torque. Its transmission is carried out through a special clutch disc flywheel . This unit is available in any car. How does it work and function? About all this and not only - further in our article.
Characteristic
When a fuel-air mixture is burned, a huge energy surge is generated. The explosion is accompanied by a stroke of the piston, which, in turn, is connected with the crankshaft. The latter has a flywheel at its end.
It is he who transfers the torque to the box, and then to the wheels. But between the engine and the gearbox there is another detail - the clutch basket. The flywheel transmits torque unevenly. To smooth it, the device has a friction disk. Thanks to the latter, the car is able to smoothly move off and switch from high to
low gear (and vice versa).
Thus, the clutch flywheel performs several functions:
- Provides uniform rotation of the crankshaft.
- Transmits torque to the transmission.
- Starts the engine from the starter.
We pay special attention to the latter characteristic. Along the circumference of the flywheel there are teeth (crown). They mesh with the starter's bendix. When the driver turns the ignition key, current flows to the electric motor. The clutch (bendix) begins to engage with the flywheel crown. The crankshaft is gaining momentum. Thus, a successful engine start is made.
Note that the clutch flywheel itself is a circular disc with a diameter of 30 to 40 centimeters. Located between the clutch basket and the end of the crankshaft. There is a pulley at the second end of the shaft (using a belt drive , a timing belt , power steering system and air conditioning are activated). There are 3 types of flywheels. We will consider the features of each of them further.
Solid
These flywheels are made of cast iron.
They have steel teeth on the outer surface. Very popular in the automotive industry. Are established on budgetary models.
Sports
Their main advantage is low weight. Compared with the previous type, such flywheels weigh one and a half kilograms less. So the motor is easier to spin to high revs.
However, its inertia is also reduced - such an element is not suitable for everyday use.
Two-mass
They appeared relatively recently. Used on cars of the Audi-Volkswagen concern. Also, this flywheel is called the damper. And if the two previous ones perform the function of only transmitting torque, then the dual-mass also plays the role of a clutch. The design of the unit is more technological. The element damps vibrations and vibrations, reduces noise and wear of synchronizers. Ideal for powerful modern engines.
Why is this clutch used now?
The dual-mass flywheel is able to transmit torque to the gearbox as smoothly as possible, due to the operation of the damper springs. The weight of the node is an order of magnitude lower than that of analogues. Also, the element is very compact.
Device
The clutch flywheel includes several elements:
- Pack of springs.
- Planetary gear.
- Radial bearing.
- Emphasis spring package.
- Separating "slider".
- Auxiliary building.
- Axial bearing.
- Casing for lubrication.
All this is placed in the main body of the flywheel.
How does it work
Consider the principle of action. The clutch damper has a stepwise operation algorithm. The soft spring package is activated first. They affect the start and shutdown of the engine.
The second package has stiffer springs, which ensures damping of vibrations. All vibrations from the internal combustion engine are absorbed by these springs.
Both packages are connected using two plain bearings :
About the disadvantages
Why aren't all machines equipped with a dual-mass flywheel clutch kit? The first reason is the complexity of the design. The node uses many elements (take at least two separate housings with their springs), which in addition are filled with special grease. If this element fails, replacing the flywheel clutch will cost $ 700-900. The next minus is the low resource. These flywheels rarely live up to one hundred thousand. They don’t like the active kickdown mode. It is not possible to drop the clutch pedal sharply and overload the car, otherwise the durability and service life of the mechanism will remain in question. Such cars do not like complex maneuvers.
Also, this clutch must be adjusted. Slipping the disc leads to increased wear pads. If the problem is not resolved in time, the load on the elements of the gearbox (including synchronizers) increases. At one point, the inclusion of gear will be accompanied by a characteristic crunch. And at startup, there is starter noise. In this case, the clutch flywheel requires urgent diagnosis. To get to it, you need to remove not only the starter, but also the transmission itself. And this is an additional cost.
What kills the clutch flywheel?
According to reviews, the resource of this element is 100-150 thousand kilometers. Experts say that this period is associated with improper operation of the clutch flywheel. And it’s not just about kickdown. Often owners (especially on diesel engines) choose the lowest rev range. In theory, this should reduce the load on the motor and reduce fuel consumption. In practice, the vibration level of the flywheel increases. The damper springs are constantly used in the work. Operating under load, they do not withstand such operating conditions.
The resource is also affected by the number of ICE launches. Frequent operation of the motor in start / stop mode increases the load on the first package of springs. Also, vibrations occur due to interruptions in the operation of the ignition and injection systems. This also reduces the clutch flywheel life. If it is a commercial vehicle, much attention is paid to overloads. When the car is loaded more than normal, the load increases not only on the gearbox, but also on the clutch flywheel. It is overheating. Springs fly out. They do not tolerate such loads.
Noise when switching
Many owners are faced with the problem of operating such flywheels. There is noise when shifting 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 tint. Depreciation is enhanced by the lack of lubrication between the housings. As a result, “sliders”, springs and plates work “dry”. The problem is treated only by replacing the assembly assembly.
So, we found out what a clutch flywheel is, how it works and how it works.