Standard Issues
- Subject: Installing dual-mass flywheel correctly
- Vehicle Applications: 2002-2012 Nissan, Infiniti
- Essential Reading: Rebuilder, R & R
- Author: Brian Smith
Today’s vehicles are becoming more and more complex to service, and following proper procedures is very important when making repairs to them. This is especially true when you’re replacing Infiniti and Nissan dual-mass flywheels.
The following vehicles have a crankshaft tone ring built into the flywheel:
- 2008-2012 Nissan 370Z 3.7L
- 2003-2007 Nissan 350Z 3.5L
- 2002-2006 Nissan Altima Nissan Maxima 3.5L
- 2005-2012 Nissan Xterra, Nissan Frontier 4.0L
- 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 3.5L
- 2008-2012 Infiniti G37 3.7L
On these vehicles, the dual-mass flywheel is not indexed on the crankshaft and can be installed different ways.
When the flywheel is installed incorrectly, the vehicle may not start, the check engine light may be illuminated, or the engine will not rev past 2,000 rpm.
When you’re removing a dual-mass flywheel from any of the vehicles listed, it is recommended that you make your own indexing marks on the flywheel and crankshaft. When installing the new flywheel, transfer your marks from the old flywheel to the new flywheel to ease installation and assure proper indexing.
If you have already removed the flywheel and did not make any indexing marks, follow this procedure for proper installation:
- 1. With the flywheel removed look for the alignment dowel-pin hole on the end of the crankshaft (Figure 1).
- 2. On the new flywheel find the same alignment dowel-pin hole. You can do this by finding the locating hole and notch on the front side of the flywheel (Figure 2).
- When you have located the notch and hole on the front side, flip the flywheel over and find the same hole that goes all the way through the back side (Figure 3). Then look at Figure 1 and find the dowel-pin hole.
- 3. When you have located both, align the two holes and torque the flywheel to the proper specifications.
- 4. See Figure 1 to aid in locating the correct dowel-pin holes.
Brian Smith is group leader of technical services for the LuK, FAG and INA product lines of Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
