The SACHS DMF for Cars (Dual Mass Flywheel)

Vibration Reduction in All Speed Ranges.

The SACHS dual-mass flywheel for cars (DMF) is the key to first-class passenger car and light commercial vehicle drivability. The driver and the passengers experience a reduction of noise inside the driveline and the body as well as a smoother ride with a higher shift comfort.

The use of advanced and multi-functional components enables the SACHS DMF for cars and the SACHS DMF for LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) to be installed also in the compact car class.

Dual-mass flywheel DMF

SACHS dual-mass flywheels for cars and SACHS dual-mass flywheels for LCV are designed in a way that engine vibrations are largely reduced in all speed ranges. SACHS engineers develop car dual-mass flywheels according to the specifications of the vehicle manufacturers.

The following diagrams show the improved vibration characteristics when using a SACHS dual-mass flywheel. (a: engine vibrations, b: transmission vibrations, X: damping)

Vibration characteristics with a clutch disc with torsion springs

Vibration characteristics with a SACHS dual-mass flywheel

Diverse areas of application for the SACHS truck DMF

The DMF effectively reduces torsional and engine vibrations to increase ride comfort. That is why dual-mass flywheels are not only increasingly installed in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, but also in buses. SACHS is the only brand that offers dual-mass flywheels for buses in OE quality for the aftermarket. Mostly, rigid or simple flywheels have been used in trucks, but thanks to the high-quality truck DMF made by SACHS, more and more dual-mass flywheels are also used in this segment.

SACHS quality for optimal shifting comfort

SACHS car dual-mass flywheels and LCV dual mass flywheels are installed as standard features in many vehicles and have the following advantages:

Isolate engine vibrations
Reduce noise
Prevent transmission damage
Improve shifting comfort
Ensure a quieter start-up behavior
High durability

Damage evaluation

Overheating of the secondary flywheel

Cause:

Caused by incorrect clutch use, e.g. clutch slip.

Consequence:

Heat counteracts the effect of the damping grease. Sliding shoes, spring plate and springs run dry.
The vibration damping function is limited and/or can no longer be guaranteed.
Heat spots can cause clutch grabbing.

Note:

Clearly visible annealing discoloration and heat cracking.

Überhitzung des Sekundärschwungrads

Primary flywheel is worn through

Cause:

Extreme mechanical strain on the entire DMF.

Consequence:

Destruction of interior components
In extreme cases, internal components wear through the housing of the primary flywheel.
This leads to total failure of the DMF.

Note:

Grease leakage is another sign of this problem.

Primärschwungrad ist durchgescheuert

Signs of overheating inside of the secondary flywheel

Cause:

Thrust bearing wear between primary and secondary flywheel due to mechanical strain.

Consequence:

The vibration damping function is limited and/or can no longer be guaranteed.

Note:

Clearly noticeable by the annealing colors, as well as the unusual vehicle noise that gets stronger when disengaging the clutch.

Überhitzung des Sekundärschwungrads

FAQ about the SACHS dual-mass flywheel

What is the function of the DMF?

The DMF transmits the engine torque to the clutch pressure plate and the clutch disk. Its primary purpose is to isolate the torsional vibrations generated in the engine, preventing them from passing into the driveline.

Why is it a good idea to use a DMF?

The current engine technology places higher and higher demands on clutch systems and the entire driveline. Consumption-optimized truck engines, such as diesel and gasoline engines using direct injection, already develop high torque at low speeds. The usable engine speed range is additionally reduced towards the idling speed level to enable fuel-efficient and low-emission driving. This increases the combustion engine's rotational irregularities. For the driveline and driver, this means increased vibrations, increased noise and reduced comfort. This is where the DMF comes in as a powerful torsional vibration isolator. It helps protect the driveline against harmful vibration and ensures low-noise and comfortable driving.

Where is the DMF installed in the vehicle?

The SACHS dual-mass flywheel is installed between engine and transmission, together with the clutch pressure plate and the clutch disk.

How does the SACHS DMF function?

The flywheel's rotating mass is divided into a primary and a secondary mass. An extremely powerful multi-spring damping system is installed between the two masses.

What are the benefits of the DMF made by SACHS?

The SACHS DMF offers numerous advantages, such as optimal vibration isolation across the entire speed range, individual adaptation to the vehicle design, effective noise reduction, smooth setting-off behavior, great shifting and driving comfort, protection of the transmission, excellent start-stop behavior, long service life, reduced installation space requirements, possible pull-type and push-type clutch actuation as well as fuel economy thanks to reduced consumption because vehicles can be operated at lower rpm levels.

How can I test a DMF?

A DMF can only be tested on a special test bench for dual-mass flywheels. The workshop can only perform a visual inspection. The visual inspection, however, – similar to the tests on the test bench – only provides a snapshot. The assessment of such an inspection requires a great deal of expertise.

How often should the DMF be checked/replaced?

Inspect the dual-mass flywheel each time the clutch is replaced. If the clutch has already been replaced once, the dual-mass flywheel should be replaced in any case.