"ddavidn" (ddavidn) 11/06/2013 at 13:55 • Filed to: flywheel

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Random question of the day: How long should a lightweight flywheel last? I understand they can't be machined, so you just have to replace it when it's done. I know nothing about these things.

It's a "Porch-uh" > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 14:18

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Clutch/flywheel life varies greatly on the compounds used (both the clutch and flywheel) and how it is driven. I've seen race cars rip through a set in 2 seasons (maybe 200-300 miles) and road cars as quickly as 10K. Then I've also seen setups last 60-80K. Best bet is check the boards for your car and get advice on the particular setup you're looking at (or have now). You'll get a lot of different answers, but it should help steer you in the right direction.

ddavidn > It's a "Porch-uh" 11/06/2013 at 14:20

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Do you know what's in the picture? I wasn't sure if there was a standard "usually 2-3 clutches" sort of answer... I'm not actually asking because I'm wanting to replace it (that would be horrible, as I can't afford a tank of gas at the moment) but just because it sprang to mind and I like knowledge.

It's a "Porch-uh" > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 14:27

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As far as I can tell, that's a picture of a flywheel.

There's no standard answer. Each flywheel has a minimum allowed thickness which will get eaten up by use and resurfacing. An auto machine shop should be able to tell you if it can be resurfaced within spec or not.

I'm replacing the clutch on my M5 next week and replacing the flywheel as well since it has 100K on it (first clutch). I figure a new flywheel every 100K is good since I don't beat on this car too hard. Compare that to my 944 race car which is on it's second flywheel in about 6K miles.

ddavidn > It's a "Porch-uh" 11/06/2013 at 14:33

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All right. Far as I can tell, it's a J.B. Racing aluminum flywheel. Didn't replace it when I had the clutch replaced (when that picture was taken) and they said it couldn't be machined.

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 14:53

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The question is do you have a lightened steel flywheel or a aluminum flywheel with a steel friction insert? Most lightweight flywheels are aluminum with a steel insert on the friction area. So the flywheel can either be sent off to have it replaced or it can be replaced on your own just by getting a new insert.

But, there are also lightened steel flywheels which can be turned just like a normal steel flywheel.

Look on the flywheel and see if you notice anything that looks like an insert (will normally be bolted/riveted in) and then go from there.

ddavidn > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 11/06/2013 at 14:59

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I believe the above flywheel to be a J.B. Racing lightweight aluminum flywheel. I will research inserts. Thanks!

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 15:17

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Around the edge are those rivets or bolts?

ddavidn > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 11/06/2013 at 15:36

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Looks like bolts to me, this page has what I believe to be the flywheel on it. http://www.jbracing.com/flywheel-bmw5.…

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 16:02

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Definitely looks like you could contact them and get a replacement friction plate then. That is exactly what my flywheel looks like and I can get a new disc for $50 instead of a whole new flywheel.

ddavidn > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 11/06/2013 at 16:07

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I will definitely get in touch with them. My last quote for a new OEM flywheel was $800. Hopefully I don't have to do the clutch or flywheel before I move on from the car...

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > ddavidn 11/06/2013 at 16:42

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Yeah $800 would be a deal breaker lol. Hopefully it works out the way we hope!