A flywheel is a heavy metal mechanical disc attached to the rear of your car’s crankshaft that stores rotational energy and sits between the engine and the transmission. The device features gear teeth on its circumference that helps start your car. When you turn your car on, the starter motor’s Bendix gear expands outward into these teeth, causing the flywheel to turn. Once the flywheel begins spinning, the crankshaft turns and the compression cycle starts to provide your engine with power. Damaged flywheels exhibit a few signs when they need repair, several of which are highlighted below.

Top 3 Signs That Indicate a Flywheel Needs Resurfacing

1. Slipping Gears

In cars with manual transmissions, the flywheel supports the clutch’s connection to the transmission and engine. Over time, clutches eventually wear out and start to slip. You may notice engagement delays after you release the clutch in addition to slipping gears.

Excessive slipping puts extra friction and stress on your flywheel that can cause it to warp, crack, or otherwise weaken. Gear slipping due to contamination from water, oil, or grease can also result in extensive flywheel damage.

2. Clutch Chattering & Vibrating

Clutch chatter refers to a manual clutch skipping on the flywheel instead of enjoying seamless engagements. The clutch grabs and releases the flywheel at a fast rate while the engine turns, causing it to shutter and vibrate. You may feel vibrations throughout the vehicle as well as the clutch itself when you have a chattering issue. Leaking crankshaft and transmission seals can also cause clutch chatter and flywheel damage due to fluid contamination.

3. Burnt Odors & Additional Vibrations

Another indication of a damaged flywheel is a distinct burnt odor due to excessive heat on the clutch facings. Vibrations in the floor of your vehicle point to a flywheel issue as well, such as a problem with its spring mount mechanism. When this mechanism fails, the clutch starts to pulse. Warped flywheels also cause vibrations, such as pulsating brake pedals. If the problem goes unchecked, your engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm) will increase and decrease sporadically.

Auto mechanics recommend flywheel resurfacing with every clutch repair. The knowledgeable and courteous team at Friendly Transmission Service has provided drivers throughout High Point, NC, with flywheel resurfacing and transmission repairs since 1986. Also specializing in transmission rebuilds and maintenance as well as hard part sales, you can count on this family-owned company to do the job right every time. Same-day service is usually available. Call (336) 882-1164 to schedule repairs today, or visit the website for a complete service list. You can also like the team on Facebook for the latest transmission tips.