Dual
Mass Flywheel (DMF)

Tech Bulletin
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| Clutch Size | Part # | FOB Wholesale $ |
| FORD | ||
| 11" | 167330 | $686.00 |
| 11 7/8" | 167755 | $662.65 |
| 11 7/8" | 167708 | $610.00 |
| 12 1/4" | 167750 | $687.72 |
| CHEVY | ||
| 12" | 167395 | $630.75 |
If you're frustrated with your Dual Mass Flywheel, click here!
| DMF quick reference bookmarks (click to go to topic) | |||||
| DMF's function | Damper Spring | Friction Ring | Center Bearing | Pilot Bearing | Home Page |
| Clutch Slipping | Damper Spring Failure | Center Bearing Failure | Pilot Bearing Failure | Contact Us | |
What is the DMF's function? It is designed to isolate torsional crankshaft spikes created by diesel engines with high compression ratios. By separating the mass of the flywheel between the diesel engines and the transmission, torsional spikes can be isolated, eliminating potential damage to the transmission gear teeth.
Engine-side flywheel damper springs The damper springs that are visible on the engine side of DMF are designed to dampen heavy torsional spikes that occur when the diesel engine's torsional frequency matches the torsional frequency of the transmission. When torsional frequencies match (have the same amplitude), severe damage can occur to the transmission if not isolated. DMF's isolate the torsional frequency match between the engine and transmission to an r.p.m. range below the operating range of the engine (usually between 200-400 r.p.m.). These damper springs only work hard when the engine passes through 200-400 r.p.m. at vehicle start up and shut down.
DMF damper springs and/or damper springs nylon retainers usually fall because the diesel engine is not running correctly. Bad fuel injectors, worn pistol rings, bad valves, etc, will change the resonant frequency of the engine. A change in the resonant frequency of the engine can force the torsional frequency match between the engine and DMF to fall within the operating range of the engine. This forces the damper springs to work continuously, resulting in failure.
Friction Ring The friction ring located between the inner and outer flywheel is designed to allow the inner and outer flywheel to slip. This feature saves the transmission from damage when torque loads exceed the vehicle rating of the transmission. The friction ring will wear out if excessive torque loads are continuously applied. Loading the vehicle beyond the rated load capacity is often the root cause of friction ring failures in DMF's.
Center Bearing A sealed double row center ball bearing carries the load between the inner and outer halves of the DMF. The leading cause of center bearing failure is often related to out of balance vibration caused by not aligning the pressure plate with the DMF dowel pins. The center bearing may also fall if the clutch pilot bearing is destroyed by a worn transmission input shaft (see Pilot Bearing) or if the rated load/towing capacity of the vehicle is exceeded.
Pilot Bearing The pilot bearing supplied with most DMF's is a caged needle roller bearing. If it fails, the transmission input shaft must be repaired or replaced. If the input shaft is not repaired correctly or replaced, the lack of input shaft support will result in DMF center bearing failure. Go to page top
Diagnostic Charts For Dual Mass Flywheels
| Damper springs and/or damper springs nylon spacers are failing on the engine side of the DMF after short service life. | |
Solution |
Service diesel engine. Correct bad fuel injectors, poor engine compression, etc. Make sure engine idle is set to factory specifications. IMPORTANT: Changing the turbo boost will change the torsional frequency of the engine which can damage the DMF. Go to top of page |
| Clutch slips after short service life. | |
Solution |
Check the friction ring between the inner and outer halves of the DMF. This check should be made with the DMF installed and the clutch and bell housing removed: |
| 1. Partially insert two pressure plate bolts on opposite sides of the DMF's pressure plate bolt holes. | |
| 2. Block the engine so that it cannot turn. | |
| 3. Place a pry bar between the two pressure plate bolts. Try and rotate the outer portion of the DMF relative to the inner portion of the DMF. It does not matter if you pry clockwise of counter clockwise. NOTE: All DMF's have eight to eleven degrees of free rotational movement before the friction ring engages. You are checking for movement after initial free play. | |
| 4. If the outer half of the DMF will rotate with hand pressure on the pry bar, the DMF friction ring is worn out. The DMF will slip and must be replaced. Go to top of page |
| Symptom | DMF center bearing fails after short service life. |
| Solution | Check the DMF for missing dowel pins. Failure to use the O.E.M. dowel pins will set up a vibration that will destroy the center bearing. Check the DMF friction surface for heat cracks and/or hot spots. Check the pressure plate for hot spots and the disc friction material for friction material separation. Both are signs that the truck is being used beyond it's rated capacity and/or the clutch is not releasing properly due to a worn or faulty hydraulic clutch release system. The DMF is designed to protect the transmission. It is also designed as a wear component and will fail if O.E.M. vehicle capacity is ignored. Go to top of page |
| Symptom | DMF pilot bearing fails after short service life. |
| Solution | Check the transmission input shaft pilot bearing surface. If this surface is scored or otherwise damaged, the shaft must be repaired or replaced. Failure to do either will ultimately result in the DMF's failure. Go to top of page |