Flywheel

~~~

This section includes links to the following topics related to the flywheel -

~~~

This flywheel discussion (here and in the above links) will primarily consist of questions and answers related to the flywheel operation, its removal, and its replacement, as well as discussion of the various components related to the flywheel as listed above. Included in this will be discussion relating our experience with main seal failure due to excessive end play caused by failed bearings.

~~~

The Flywheel

The flywheel is a heavy, machined steel wheel that is bolted to the end of the crankshaft. The flywheel serves a triple purpose:

  • The primary purpose of the flywheel is to store kinetic energy and maintain the revolving inertia of the engine through its cycles.

  • Secondarily, the flywheel serves as part of the engine starting mechanism. There are teeth all around the outer circumference of the flywheel; starter gear engages these teeth to turn the engine over for starting.

    • And finally, the machined face of the flywheel acts as part of the clutch.

The flywheel is attached to the front of the crankshaft by four dowel pegs and very tightly secured by a single central gland nut which also incorporates needle roller bearings for the gearbox input shaft.

Note: We have written a very detailed procedure on our Web site that covers removal of the highly-torqued gland nut and the flywheel; removal, inspection and replacement of the main oil seal; replacement of the flywheel and associated gasket or O-ring; and checking the end play (with associated warning regarding excessive end play).

~~~

Commencing Removal of the Flywheel

* * * * *

Back to Table of Contents

Disclaimer stuff: Rob and Dave have prepared this information from their own experiences. We have not assumed any specialised mechanical knowledge, but we DO assume that anyone using this information has at least some basic mechanical ability.

We hope you find this information useful, but we don't take any responsibility for anything which happens to you, other people, your VW or any other property or goods resulting from your use of this material.

Feel free to print off any of this information for your own use. If you intend to link this material to another site, reprint it, or in any other way redistribute it, please leave the information complete, including this disclaimer section, and provide a link to this Web site.

Contact us.

Have fun fixing your VW - just keep them fweeming, OK?

Last revised 4 May 2004.

1