First Line’s SMF clutch kits for LCV
First Line Ltd, which is responsible for the Borg & Beck components brand, has outlined the benefits of switching to a Single Mass Flywheel (SMF) for light commercial vehicle (LCV) applications.
The number of vehicles fitted with a Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) clutch system has dramatically increased with the popularity of high torque direct injection turbo diesel vehicles, says the company, an increasing trend since 2000.
“Replacement of the DMF can be frequent, expensive and as the vehicles get older, owners are demanding more cost-effective solutions,” said First Line.
“On higher mileage applications and low speed, stop-start city driving, such as LCVs, changing to a Single Mass Flywheel (SMF) replacement clutch kit is viewed as an upgrade, as not only is it a more cost-effective product, but more importantly, it has an increased durability and can cope with the demanding driving conditions.
“The SMF replacement clutch kit is an OE designed solution that allows the DMF and its associated Clutch components to be replaced with a traditional Solid Flywheel and Clutch Kit.
“This has been made possible by the development of the long travel damper, which uses advanced vibration clutch damper technology to create dampers capable of up to 40° of torsional movement, making them comparable with the movement typical of an equivalent DMF.”
Technically the SMF will reduce engine vibrations due to the increased inertia of the solid flywheel, says First Line; and in addition, the SMF is extremely durable, due to its efficient heat dissipation qualities and the lack of complex higher wearing flywheel components.
It is also a less expensive option than the equivalent DMF clutch kit, adds the firm, which then makes any subsequent replacements cheaper still as only the core clutch kit components require changing.
“With more than 60 kits in its range, the Borg & Beck SMF kit provides members with one of the widest ranges in the country, including the ever-popular Ford Transit 2.4TD (2001 > 06) and the recently introduced Citroën Relay, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer 3.0TD (2006 > 18),” the company concluded.
