I need to change the flywheel on my golf, its a 2008 1.9 TDI.

the flywheels are notorious for failing and rattling on idle.

I'm considering whether to replace the Dual Mass Flywheel or go for a Single Mass Flywheel as a replacement.

There is no clear winner on the VW forums some suggesting that the SMF wont dampen the vibrations leading to crank failure, others suggest that the SMF make the engine sound rattly on idle, others say its a fine replacement.

Im stuck as the DMF seem to be an inherent weak part, with almost every car needing the flywheel to be replaced at some point.

Does anyone have experience of these issues and replacements?

Same thing with the Skoda Fabia VRS 1.9 td. We have them as company vehicles and clutch/flywheel failures are common with them.

I bought a solid flywheel and clutch kit after one failed and had it fitted and so far it's been perfect.

Yeah ive heard they are the same.

Ive heard that the SMFs rattle. Any idea what they are like on idle? Ie do they rattle or does the springs in the friction plate take up the slack?

Bugger! Just brought the wife a 57 Golf TDi and didn't know anything about this. What signs are there that might show that this need attention soon? Mind you being the wifes car the only indication I'll get that there might be a problem is a phone call saying that "the gear box is in the middle of the A27, it's been making a funny sound for a few months now".

Word to the wise ,
The dual mass flywheel has various functions and one is to balance out any resonance.
It also reduces Vibration and production costs.
Crank failures are common if solids are replaced.
It can also play havoc with the fuelling due to knock sensors picking up vibrations.
Some cars also have crank sensor errors randomly.


I fitted a few to vag taxis back in the day but almost everyone suffered faults or clutch judder.
I fitted one to a Mondeo and three days after it snapped the crank in half which meant I had to replace the engine free of charge and look like an idiot for not doing my research first.

So know the potential risks.

Euro car parts do a clutch and dualmass package with concentric slave for £500

Look at this

You'll notice in the video the regular diesel rattle, but every now and again, you'll hear another noise coming in and out, like a 'deeper rattle' noise.... well, that's the noise you don't want to hear... My experience was to start the car and let it idle and the noise would usually happen within the first couple of minutes... If yours doesn't, then you are probably ok... Its useful to know what to keep an ear out for though..

I had this issue on my A3 2.0 TDI, cost just under a grand to replace with an OEM DMF. Your local TPS would be able to do a good price on the part if you haggle with them a bit..

Note that I never felt any problems at all in the driveability of the car when mine was on it's way out, no weird gear changes or anything.

Thanks for that. Nothing like that coming from her car.

I would fit the dual mass flywheel . I have changed so many clutch+flywheels on the 2000 onwards ford transit vans . There is a vibration difference between the two you can feel it with the solid one . Also the solid flywheel is much harder on the clutch and never lasts as long as the original set up .