While manual transmissions have all but vanished from personal vehicles in the US, they're still relatively common among heavy-duty trucks. Compared to automatic transmissions, manual transmissions remain an excellent choice for both reliability and ease of service. As a result, many truckers still prefer these workhorses, even as automatics have taken the lead in efficiency.
Of course, driving a manual transmission means knowing how to service it, and that's true with personal vehicles as well as semi-trucks. You'll eventually need to replace your clutch, and that means recognizing when to resurface your flywheel and the importance of doing so when required.
What Role Does Your Flywheel Serve?
On a traditional manual transmission, two mating surfaces join together to transmit power to the wheels. The clutch sits on the transmission side of the equation, while the flywheel sits on the engine side. While your engine is idle and you have the clutch depressed, the flywheel can turn freely in time with the crankshaft.
When you release the clutch pedal, you're allowing the flywheel and clutch disc to make contact. The clutch disc contains a friction surface (similar to disc brake pads) to grip the flywheel. Once you're in gear, the flywheel and clutch move together, and your truck's transmission can help to keep your engine's speed within its powerband.
How Does Your Flywheel Wear Out?
The analogy between manual transmissions and disc brakes continues beyond the friction on the clutch plate. The flywheel is also similar in many ways to disc brake rotors. Like rotors, your truck's flywheel should last longer than the clutch plate, but regular operation means exposure to extreme friction and heat. The forces acting on an 18-wheeler's flywheel are even more severe than those on a personal car.
Over time, your flywheel surface can become uneven or smooth in spots. Just as a worn-out brake rotor can damage new brake pads, a worn-out flywheel can reduce the life of your new clutch. You'll also notice vibrations and other issues when engaging your clutch. Fortunately, there's yet another similarity between flywheels and brake rotors — you can resurface both instead of replacing them.
When Should You Resurface Your Flywheel?
The simple answer is that you should resurface your flywheel when it shows signs of wear. If you're replacing your clutch, the technician should remove and inspect your flywheel for problems. In reality, you should consider this service whenever you replace your truck's clutch. Resurfacing is relatively cheap, and technicians will have access to the flywheel during a clutch job anyway.
Resurfacing your flywheel will help to ensure your new clutch lasts for as long as possible while also allowing you to shift more smoothly. Your truck is your livelihood, so it's worth taking the time and effort to ensure its transmission remains reliable and well-maintained.
If you need flywheel resurfacing, visit an auto shop, such as P&O Brake, in your area.