Clutch
Sachs ZMS Modul DMF KitsSachs, leading supplier of driveline and chassis technology, explains how its ZMS Modul Range is simplifying the sourcing and fitting of DMFs.
This development brings many benefits to aftermarket customers. Firstly, there is a saving in time and cost from purchasing a boxed kit rather than sourcing parts individually. A further advantage is the pedigree of the Sachs brand: each kit contains Original Equipment (OE) parts that have been certified for use by major vehicle manufacturers as meeting their exacting specifications for fit and performance. This means that buyers can be sure these parts are designed to operate together flawlessly. It also makes the replacement process more straightforward, as correct fitment is assured. This is important not only for long-term reliability and maximum product life but also to ensure that the vehicle’s warranty is not compromised. According to Sachs, the conversion kits available to retrofit a conventional clutch and flywheel on a vehicle designed to use a DMF are not certified for use by vehicle manufacturers, and for good reason. Conversion kits do not contain the DMF ’s efficient multi-spring damping system, resulting in engine vibrations being transmitted to the rest of the vehicle, an increase in engine noise, greater stress on the remainder of the drivetrain, and a harsher drive. There are also many reports in the aftermarket of conversion kit components breaking apart after only a few hundred or thousand miles. For these reasons, vehicle manufacturers do not endorse the use of conversion kits in place of a genuine DMF .
Less often considered is that faults in other vehicle systems may cause the noise and vibration issues usually attributed to the DMF, some of which may go on to accelerate DMF wear if not corrected promptly. The answer is to follow a systematic approach to fault diagnosis rather than assume at the outset that the DMF is at fault. Motor factors can help here by reminding their customers to carry out basic testing of the vehicle’s mechanical and electronics systems before replacing the DMF. The ZMS Modul range of DMF and clutch kits comprises 12 lines covering almost 60 applications, ranging from superminis to four tonne light commercial vehicles. Marques catered for include Audi, Citroën, Ford, Mercedes, Peugeot, Seat, Skoda and VW, and the range is expected to expand as customer demand grows. Ask your local factor or distributor about Sachs ZMS Modul kits to benefit from stocking just one part number instead of ordering individual DMF and clutch kit parts to cover the same application. |
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These kits contain all of the parts required for a clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) renewal on a variety of vehicles. Manufactured by Sachs, each ZMS Modul kit contains the clutch cover, clutch driven plate and DMF together with new fixing screws and assembly grease. Depending on the application, some kits also include the clutch release bearing or concentric slave cylinder (CSC).
Sachs, leading supplier of driveline and chassis technology, explains how its ZMS Modul Range is simplifying the sourcing and fitting of DMFs. Like any mechanical component a DMF may develop a fault in service, however, contrary to popular belief it is no more susceptible to failure than a conventional clutch. Typical examples include scoring from allowing the driven plate to wear down to the rivets or overheating due to excessive clutch slip. Excessive DMF oscillation may cause premature wear to the arc springs within, which typically occurs at very low engine speeds. Driving in too high a gear, allowing the engine to idle for excessively long periods (e.g. to run air conditioning when parked) or frequent engine stalling are common causes. Ensuring adequate maintenance and modifying the driving style are usually all that is needed to significantly extend DMF life.