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.
Manufacturuer: 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.
For More Information Please Contact Us
01462 835335 or info@eco-torque.co.uk
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