Possible DMF failure

[Alias218]

There is an intermittant noise coming from the gearbox area of the engine bay that only makes itself apparent upon cold start ups and when pulling away. Even then it doesnt happen every time.

It's a rattle, like something is loose. The start up sound is reminsicent of an over running starter motor. My own diagnosis points towards the DMF (the engine is an AUDI 1.8T), which as far as I'm aware has never been changed and the engine is on 80,500 miles.

There is are no excess vibrations during driving, although the idle vibrations can be felt through the clutch pedal and are not constant (i.e. they increase and decrease in intensity, but in no particular pattern). Because the noises are so breif, and they appear as and when they feel like it, it's difficult to accurately pinpoint the source.

The vibrations and over spinning noise are consistant with a DMF failure (as well as the fact that DMF failure can damage the starter motor itself).

Any personal experience in the matter as well as advice would be greatly appreciated.


Whilst we are on the subject, what are people's opinions/experiences of SMF conversions? I'm a bit concerned by the stories of extra vibrations and torsional stresses on the gearbox and crankshaft.

Many thanks!

[SuperchargedVR6]

Been discussed many times. If the car came with a DMF, then replace it with another one. Euro Carparts do them for ~ £250. Well over twice that from £udi and it's the same LUK part. Goes without saying, do the clutch and release bearing whilst you're in there.

[PaulKemp]

The sign of DMF failure on my Mondeo was excessive dust clogging the startermotor stopping it from throwing the gear in

[Old Merc]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

Been discussed many times. If the car came with a DMF, then replace it with another one. Euro Carparts do them for ~ £250. Well over twice that from £udi and it's the same LUK part. Goes without saying, do the clutch and release bearing whilst you're in there.

2nd above,never be tempted to fit a "solid kit".Been discussed on here so many times.

[Alias218]

Ok, many thanks. To be honest I don't think I was ever tempted by SMFs, but I was dipping my toes in water to guage reactions.

Since yesterday I've kept my ear open for noises and this morning I had a bit of a good'un. Again on cold start up that same old rattle reared its head. It just never makes that noise on the go, plus when I start the car I always depress the clutch. On one hand I think it's flywheel related, but on the other I don't. I'm in a bit of a pickle if I'm honest!

Would it correct to assume that the flywheel jams solid (as in the two moving halves) for the majority of the time and the noise only occurs when a sudden increase in angular momentum occurs (as is the case when starting the engine or pulling away as it is only under these two circumstances that the noise appears) and momentarily frees the flywheel?

I'm thinking out loud here, so to speak, but I'm reluctant to carry out a more invasive investigation.

[Mr2Mike]

Usually noise is down to broken springs which allow the secondary part of the flywheel to hit it's end stops under high load conditions.