How can I tell if the mass flywheel has failed or if the clutch is going bad

The symptoms can vary from clutch shudder on take off to a knock or bang in the driveline when power is taken up.the only way to check is to remove the flywheel and look for movement or damage.

Okay, thanks. so only way is to strip it down as if you are a mechanic and done loads of them you should know without stripping down shunt you?

A good mechanic after a test drive should be able to feel and problem in the clutch and duel mass flywheel.

Ok so they will know if its the dmf or clutch thats failing 100%? And if vauxhall strip down after road test if its clutch uve gotta cover labour and parts if its flywheel then they cover everythung other then clutch

A duel mass will not loose total drive it will knock or shudder or vibrate and this will be felt on take off and at gear changes, a clutch will slip and shudder, smell burnt, the clutch pedal will release well up the travel often no drive until the clutch is almost fully released and if total failure no drive, so there are a few similar symptoms with both systems but a trained mechanic would normally pick the difference on a road test.

Thanks for advice mate appreciated !!

Ive got the knocking noise also sometimes i put in neutral and it vibrates bad also in1st and 2nd it shudders alot but still drives but the flywheel can fail clutch eventually cant it do these sound like flywheel symtoms to you? So knocking noise vibration in neutral sometimes and shudder in low gears and lower rpm thanks

most probably a fly wheel problem the knocking is very symptomatic with a failed duel mass the extra load it applies to the clutch will cause a problem. as i said shudder can be either but combined with the vibration and knocking i would be putting my money on the flywheel. But regardless if it was mine i would be doing both clutch and fly wheel, then you know every thing is ok, even if you have to put your hand in the hip pocket for part payment it better knowing that its all done and there is nothing left to chance.

Yes serious mate my mechanic whos done it for 12 years said its 99% flywheel and he will put money on it and yes already brought my own clutch they said they will fit it free as labour will be covered under warranty also been told my clutch would be slipping is that where you slip out of gear? Ill keep you updated see if it is should find out 2moro when i bring it in ????

a slipping clutch is when power is applied the engine revs and the transmission does not drive or the slipping clutch only allows part power to drive the transmission, jumping out of gear once selected is a transmission selector problem and not clutch related, a bad clutch will make initial gear selection very hard if no impossible in the first place.

Hi mate network q warranty are now coming out to inspect my flywheel that has gone and i rang few days after policy started and had problems week after i broke down and its gone completely like 360 when they come out in monday can they tell if the fault was prior to me taking out policy? My cars 6 years old so its common sense its gunna have some kinda damage to it already or are they gunna try fobbed me of let ne know soon as you can mate thanks ashley

It is hard to say but typical of any insurance company they will look for any reason to knock back a claim. from here I just can't say but you mechanic should be able to look at it and see if there is evidence of long term deteration or signs of sudden failure bout as o said just be aware the the assasor will be looking for any reason to scrubyou claim so be wary

Ok mate mines doing 360 movement but it went completely while driving so thats why but surely you cant tell how long its been like that if i take out warranty november times then my policy dont start till 2nd of december i get vibrations on 4th vauxhall tell me it will last keep on driving it take it to pentagon as they could only do job 7 days later i break down then its not my fault also its in the cover date its because its early but anything can go at anytime cant it they say peace of mind but its rubbish its christmas next sunday ive got a daughter on way due 29th and these trying to fob me of they are coming out on monday to look at it but dont know how they can prove it also they should check your car over before you pay them shunt they any advise would help mate thanks

Also from 6 years of driving it then its gunna have some kind of wear and tear aint it whats the point them saying they will give you warranty up to 80000 miles if all they gunna do is look for reason not to pay

That's how they make money, many people don't read the fine print, often this includes may clause that if you knew about you would have second thoughts about signing up, this is a classic example of Caveat emptor.