This short blog shows a summary of the Vauxhall Astra H VXR clutch & flywheel replacement by Eco Torque Ltd. Further details can be obtained by calling 0845 459 4020 or emailing info@eco-torque.co.uk.
One vehicle that we see very often is the Vauxhall Astra H VXR. This performance tuned version of the Astra is a very popular and offers a great performance to value ratio. However performance does come with some conditions, maintenance and sometimes reliability is one of them. The components that suffer with a heavy driving style are the clutch and dual mass flywheel.
Below shows some of what is involved in replacing the clutch, flywheel and gearbox.
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Manufacturer: Vauxhall Model: Astra H VXR Transmission: FWD Engine: 2.0l Turbocharged Petrol Model Range: 2005 - 2011 |
Depending on how this vehicle is driven, you can expect around 70'000 to 90'000 miles out of a factory fitted clutch kit and DMF. If however they are heavily tuned and driven very hard on a daily basis this can drop down to around half of that figure. Most heavily modified VXR's end up having racing clutches to cope with the additional power.
With regards to the gearbox, these units suffer the exact same faults as the other M32 fitted models as well as a few issues which are more specific to the VXR range.
Dual Mass Flywheels
These are designed to reduce the torsional stresses placed on the gearbox as the transition of power is transfer from the engine to the gearbox. The design works very well however does have limitations with power and also inherits a new possibly failure trait as you have introduced moving parts, compared to the older solid flywheel design.
The dual mass flywheel had severe rotational movement as well as heat stress marks rendering the part un-usuable.
Worn dual mass flywheels produce a very heavy central rattle from the vehicle. They can also make it very difficult to select gears in some scenarios. This dual mass flywheel pictured above produced a symptom which is very similar to having a racing clutch installed on these models. This manifests in a heavy thud when the clutch is raised after gear selection. This is because of the worn springs in the flywheel not giving and torsional dampening and essential acting like a solid flywheel.
Clutch Kits
As standard we will always fit LUK, Sachs or OE equivalent unless the customer requests otherwise. This is due to reliability as well as quality. The VXR range suffers from extreme wear and overheating failure do to the nature of how the car is normally driven. This can result in clutch slip, gear selection difficultly and total loss of drive.
Replacing a clutch system can instantly transform the cars driving feel as most clutches wear down slowly over time giving only a gradual decline in driving performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual mass flywheel and why is it used?
A dual mass flywheel is designed to reduce the torsional stresses placed on the gearbox as power is transferred from the engine. The design works well but has limitations at higher power outputs, and because it introduces moving parts compared with an older solid flywheel, it also brings a new potential failure point.
What are the symptoms of a worn dual mass flywheel?
Worn dual mass flywheels typically produce a heavy central rattle from the vehicle and can make gears difficult to select in some situations. A badly worn unit can also cause a heavy thud when the clutch is raised after selecting a gear, because the worn internal springs no longer provide torsional damping and the flywheel effectively behaves like a solid one.
Why do the clutch and flywheel wear on a Vauxhall Astra H VXR?
The Astra H VXR is a performance-tuned car, and that performance comes with maintenance and reliability considerations. The clutch and dual mass flywheel are the components that suffer most from a heavy driving style, and the VXR range is prone to extreme wear and overheating from how the cars are often driven. This can result in clutch slip, gear selection difficulty and total loss of drive.
What clutch does Eco Torque fit to the VXR?
As standard we always fit LUK, Sachs or OE-equivalent parts unless the customer requests otherwise, chosen for reliability and quality. Fitting a fresh clutch system can instantly transform the car's driving feel, as most clutches wear down slowly and give only a gradual decline in performance. Most heavily modified VXRs end up fitting racing clutches to cope with the additional power.
For More Information Please Contact Us 01462 835335 or info@eco-torque.co.uk Please Like & Share