Clutch and dual-mass flywheel replacement

Which cars are affected?

This page covers manual Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda cars with a dual-mass flywheel. For other work on these makes, see our Audi and VW specialist page.

For dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, see our DSG gearbox problems page instead.

If you are not sure whether your car has a dual-mass flywheel, put the registration in the enquiry form and we will check.

What are the symptoms?

If you notice the clutch slipping, judder when pulling away or a rattle at idle, book an inspection. None of these on its own proves which part is worn, which is why we check before we quote.

When you book, tell us:

• what you notice and when, for example pulling away from cold or at idle
• whether it has changed recently
• whether the clutch or flywheel has been replaced before, if you know

What causes it?

Slipping, judder and noise can come from the clutch, from the dual-mass flywheel or from somewhere else. Whether the flywheel needs replacing at the same time as the clutch depends on its condition, which is checked with the gearbox removed.

How do you confirm the fault before fitting parts?

A noise is not a diagnosis. We road test the car first, then, with the gearbox removed, we:

• inspect the dual-mass flywheel for signs of heat stress and grease loss
• measure the flywheel’s free play and rock against the clutch maker’s data
• inspect the clutch and release bearing

We then show you what we found and send a written price. No part is fitted until you give us your written approval.

What does the repair involve?

• Clutch. We fit the new clutch and a new release bearing, and clean and lightly grease the gearbox input shaft splines.
• Dual-mass flywheel. We replace it only if the measurements show it is out of tolerance.

Once the work is done, we road test the car and verify the repair.

How long does a clutch replacement take?

It depends on the model and on what the inspection finds, including whether the flywheel needs replacing.

Before any work starts, you get a written price and a promised time for your next update. If the car needs to stay with us, ask about a courtesy car when you book.

Is there a recall for VW Group clutches?

DVSA’s recall records include these older recalls for some cars built from 2003 to 2005:

• R/2005/091: Volkswagen Touran
• R/2006/031: Audi A3
• R/2006/033: SEAT Toledo
• R/2006/035: Škoda Octavia
• R/2006/115: Volkswagen Passat

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check your registration on gov.uk. Recall work is done by the manufacturer’s network, not by us.