If you are in need of relevant information on the flywheel resurfacing cost, then you are in the right place.
You may be searching for a potential price range for resurfacing a flywheel, as well as other tasks involved in doing so.
The flywheel is a key component of your car’s powertrain. This is a disk made of metal connected to the crankshaft’s rear portion. It stores the rotational energy while smoothing out forces from your vehicle’s cylinders.
This component works with the clutch to facilitate movement of power from your engine and to the transmission. But as time goes by, the flywheel may be subject to damage due to friction and heat caused by your clutch.
When you notice the flywheel getting warped or cracked, or perhaps developing grooves, then it may require some resurfacing. On the other hand, leaving the problem unsolved can cause severe damage to your clutch, and eventually a need for an expensive repair.
We’ll cover the cost of resurfacing a flywheel and the signs to look for, so you know when it needs to be resurfaced.
Flywheel Resurfacing Cost
Typically, the flywheel resurfacing cost should be about $20 to as much as $50. But this also depends on the type of flywheel you have since others can be more expensive. Stepped flywheels, for instance, can go up to $75 for resurfacing.
But the average price should not go over $50 in many cases. The process involved is also simple and straightforward, yet the total cost depends on the number of hours taken up to remove, inspect, grind, and replace the flywheel.
But one thing worth considering is that if the quoted price is over $65, then you may want to think about replacing the flywheel instead of replacing it. Oftentimes, the cost of replacing it should not be more expensive.
For example, your local mechanic may charge between $25 and $35 for a resurfacing cost while a dealership may charge around $50 to $70 per hour. So, it helps to factor in the total cost of resurfacing before deciding if you should go down this route or opt for a replacement.
Flywheel Resurfacing – When You Need It
Damages to the flywheel can lead to issues with your powertrain system. You may lose power and control over the wheels, which is bad news for you and other motorists when you are on the road.
One of the most common signs of a bad flywheel is slipping gears. What this means is that your engine speed increases at a faster rate than the actual ground speed as you shift. This happens when the lubricants make their way on the surface of the flywheel, so the clutch slips and fails to engage firmly with the flywheel.
You may also notice a burning odor inside the vehicle when the flywheel is not at its best condition.There may be too much friction generated by the clutch with the flywheel, causing excess heat to be generated and leading to a burning smell.
When you are unable to shift gears, your flywheel may also be the culprit, which needs to be inspected. Vibrations in the clutch are another thing to watch out for, which happens not only when you have the clutch engaged.
And lastly, your vehicle will not start when the flywheel is problematic. So, if any of these signs exist, you may want to have your mechanic inspect your flywheel to remedy any issue and prevent the problem from getting worse and more expensive to fix.
Should You Replace Or Resurface The Flywheel
The answer depends on the current condition your flywheel is in. If the damage and issue are far too complex, then you may have to get your flywheel replaced instead of simply resurfaced. The work required depends on the model and make of your vehicle, so replacing may sometimes even be cheaper than resurfacing the flywheel.
Do keep in mind that the average cost of replacing the flywheel is around $400. Also, dual mass flywheels are not suitable for resurfacing. Thus, any damage to this flywheel type would require a replacement, which should go between $250 and $1000.
A failure to the dual mass flywheel is often linked to driving in very high gear, towing heavy loads, or engine misfires. If you feel shaking underneath your car or hear a squeaking sound or grinding noises coming from the engine, a DMF failure may be to blame.
A new flywheel can cost $150 to about $800 but there are also labor costs included, which can go from $300 to $500 or so.
Flywheel resurfacing includes grinding or cutting the flywheel, which takes a few minutes to remove damaged and hard spots on the surface. Others may use a head and block type of grinding machine to grind the surface down, while there is another method involving wet grinding with the use of silicone carbide stones.
Forged steel flywheels can benefit more from softer stones while harder stones are better for flywheels made of cast iron. No matter what method is applied, resurfacing removes a thin layer of metallic component from the surface of the flywheel, which then improves clutch grip and prevents slippage and wear.
This is usually a quick and simple process, which should not cost so much while at the same time ensuring the better condition and performance of your flywheel and other components involved.
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Final Thoughts
Resurfacing a flywheel is often a simple process, which should not go over $60 in many cases. But if there is a need to replace a flywheel because of severe damage or depending on the material of the flywheel, it needs to be done sooner than later.
You should also shop around for the right mechanic and apply better preventative measures, so you can ensure the lifespan of your flywheel and avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.