Clutch: Description and Operation

DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL





The dual mass flywheel is designed to reduce the noise and vibrations produced by the engine, clutch, and transmission during acceleration and cruising.

The flywheel assembly is actually two flywheels in one, which raises the inertia mass on both the engine and transmission. The inner and outer flywheels are connected by torsion springs. This combination effectively dampers changes in engine speed before they are transmitted to the transmission.

Since there are torsion springs between the flywheels, none are used in the clutch disc, which lessens the inertia mass on the mainshaft. This reduction of the rotating inertia mass reduces the load on the synchro rings, allowing the transmission to shift smoother.