BMW Z3 Clutch replacement - pick your brains

[Mark h]

Mark, I've read what Jim has written and I was confused about him saying that a DMF ( dual mass flywheel) can't be skimmed. It was at this point that I had to research the DMF as I had never replaced one. I started with the u-tube hyperlink Jim provided. I noticed that they are used for diesels to dampen vibration, but are also used for passenger cars. This video seems to indicate some problems inherent with them. The grinding of the flywheel I was referring to is only done with single mass flywheels. When this is done, an extremely small amount of material is removed. Usually about 20 thousands of an inch. I called a shop that specializes in flywheel resurfacing and they highly recommend the procedure. This procedure removes hot spots caused be excessive heat and any unevenness that can cause clutch chatter. To be fair, this can cause the new clutch to fail sooner but only an extremely small amount and cannot compare to the resulting smooth clean operation the new clutch is able to achieve against a clean even surface. This is a video of a clutch surface being reconditioned:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7AjwdIWh4c&feature=player_embedded
A good video of what a DMF is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MfNjARZc5Wo
The video that Jim provided gave me some second thought about these units as evidenced by this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DHapjYefAt4
In my first post to you, I talked about replacing the clutch and the parts involved. This may have been like Greek to you but the following video shows what a lot of the parts that I referred to are. Take special notice of the pilot bearing, throw out bearing and the clutch disk pilot tool I was referring to. It helps if you move ahead during the video to skip removing the exhaust and other parts of the video that don't apply to the clutch.Frankie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kaM8RgUWmKM

Hi Frankie
Your very kind for sharing that with me
I enjoyed the u tube links and feel I learned something from your post .
Thank you so much for your help
M

 

[FRANKIE]

Looks like you're having fun. Frankie

 

[Mark h]

I am trying ..for all your help
Sorry I am a bit of a spoon when it comes to the under bonnet stuff

 

[Mark h]

Mark for future reference, if your clutch is indeed faulty, it is suggested that the Dual Mass Flywheel is also changed, if you need to replace it due to excessive play in the springs or pitting/wear to the flywheel faces then you are very welcome to the one I have stowed away, the mechanic has told me that it is in super condition with no signs of wear or play,if you need it PM me your address and I will get it to you. The surface of a dual mass cannot be skimmed. and I would not recommend doing it for any other flywheel, as this will reduce the pressure placed on the clutch plate which "will" lead to premature clutch slip.

A Dual Mass Flywheel will set you back around £200 and a clutch kit is around £150.

Explanation of a dual mass flywheel: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/dual-mass-flywheels/

Hope this is of help.

Regards

Jim

Jim you are a star ..thank you for sharing your knowledge with me its very kind of you...it looks like my bank account gets another bashing
Hey ho ..live rich die poor

 

[oldcarman]

So, what's the feeling? Change to a single mass or resurface/replace the dual mass. If the dual is for dampening how is the single with respect to noise, vibration, etc in comparison? JIM

 

[Mark h]

I think I am clutching "pardon the pun" at straws.

I am now getting an intermittent stability control light turning itself on..sometimes I have no power accelerating in 5th gear at 60mph...other times I have a positive increase in speed ...

Driving at speeds under 30mph and removing my foot from the accelerator makes the car feel as if someone has driven into the boot or I have slammed my foot on the brake..

On the plus side its clean and shiny...