Replacement flywheel - dual mass or solid?

[JulianHJ]

I have a '56 plate Focus TDCI and the clutch is showing signs of slipping at full throttle. The car is just approaching 95k on the clock. The dual mass flywheel will also need replacing, as it's beginning to judder noticeably when switching the engine off.

The local main dealer is quoting over £1300 to replace. The local Halfords Autocentre is quoting £799 using Valeo parts (OEM, they say) or £699 for a solid conversion (also Valeo, I think). The chap at Halfords was singing the praises of the solid kit, stating that he's an ex-Ford main dealer mechanic and has fitted loads to Fords in the past.

Does anyone have any experience of solid flywheel conversions, and are there any negatives?

[JulianHJ]

I wasn't that keen on the idea of a SMF, but the chap I spoke to seemed really keen, even though it would cost £100 less. I've had another quote from the nearest Mr Clutch - £810 using either LUK or Sachs parts (DMF, not SMF).

[JulianHJ]

Blanchimont said:

Both places you've gone too will overcharge. Find a transmission specialist near you, call them for a quote.

I paid £580 for a DMF, CSC and a clutch a year ago and I only paid £580.

Having looked at the parts costs from ECP and GSF, I'm not sure I could do it myself for much less - no that I have the tools or experience! The Halfords quote includes 5.1 hours labour, and for 60% of the main dealer quote using the same parts, I was certainly leaning towards them. I've Googled transmission specialists for my area, but I've not found anything useful.

[JulianHJ]

addz86 said:

We sell both at work, clutch and flywheel in LUK which is what will have been put it from factory is about £400, I try and avoid selling solid flywheel kits as they're all stty Chinese copies and have heard of a few causing snapped cranks due to excessive vibrations.

If it was half the price and a old nail then maybe but £100 difference on a decent car I wouldn't even think of using one

Thanks, just missed this as I was typing my reply. I'm definitely going to stick with DMF. Is there any difference between LUK and Valeo in terms of quality?

The Halfords chap was keen to point out that the Valeo DMF would be brand new, and not a reconditioned part - that hadn't even crossed my mind.

[JulianHJ]

Cheers, I did think that if Ford had spent millions in R&D there would be a good reason not to deviate so far from such a key component - just wanted to check as the chap at the garage was really enthusiastic about the SMF.

[JulianHJ]

camelot1971 said:

I paid just over £1000 for a clutch and DMF replacement for my TDCi Mondeo at a Ford dealer last year. I made the mistake of getting Halfords to do some work on my car once - never again!

If the main dealer came anywhere near the other prices, I'd seriously consider it, however Halfords have a two year guarantee, and I'll be really disappointed if I still have the car by the time that runs out. I might call the dealer tomorrow and see if they would price match Not getting my hopes up).

[JulianHJ]

Thanks, but I think I'm going to stick with the DMF.