EN DU: 30.06.2022
With 2CT dry clutch replacement demand increasing by 20% every year, should you miss out on the opportunity? Rob Marshall provides a guide on how the procedure differs from that of conventional three-piece clutches
As Volkswagen Group's seven-speed DSG is the most common 2CT type, this feature will focus on vehicles from that manufacturer fitted with the DQ200 transmission. Thus equipped vehicles include 1.4-litre and non-turbo 2.0-litre Seats, Skodas, Volkswagen and Audi petrols, plus 1.6-litre TDI and some lower-powered 2.0-litre TDI diesels. More powerful models, which produce over 250 Newton Metres (Nm) of torque, tend to employ wet clutch DSGs.
The ingenious twin-clutch automated manual transmission (2CT) became a credible alternative to a conventional epicyclic-geared fluid-flywheel automatic gearbox, predominantly by virtue of its relative efficiency. Early versions were paired with larger engines and possessed internal 'wet' clutch packs, so-called because they were lubricated by the transmission oil. They were fairly reliable, provided that the oil change intervals were heeded and glycol was not permitted to enter the gearbox, via a failed transmission oil cooler.
The following overview gives you an idea of what to expect. Notably, the DQ200 is available in two generations, with a May 2011 date change. The variances include differently shaped bearing shims for the clutch that controls input shaft 1 and the clutch engagement levers being pressed from steel, rather than cast, on the second generation, with featured differentstyle pivots. Therefore, you will need to identify the correct transmission generation before you order the parts and identify which installation tools you need, because they also differ.
While huge improvements have been made to conventional automatics in the last 20 years, 2CTs have also been refined. To make them less costly to make, easier to repair, more efficient and less maintenance intensive, dry clutch packs appeared on lower-powered models, typically those of a sub-2.0-litre engine capacity. The clutch pack assembly contains the relevant friction discs and steels but it cannot be dismantled.
As the cost of the clutch pack kit can exceed ~£300+ (~£450+ with a Dual Mass Flywheel), some parts warranties are valid only if the installer is suitably qualified and uses the correct tools. Attempting to complete the task without the relevant training and installation equipment could turn a profitable job into an annoying ramp hogger.
CLUTCHES
73240-001_AUM_AZ_Allgemein_Autotechnican_210x297 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • js |
GOING IN DRY – 2CT CLUTCH REPLACEMENTS
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