What is a Car Crazy Wheel? Its Functions, Types & How It Works
The crazy wheel of a car is a term often heard in the automotive world. This term is used to refer to one of the car components. Although this term is often heard, not everyone recognizes this component. To help you understand this component better, you need to pay attention to the following review.
What is a Car Crazy Wheel?
The crazy wheel is another term for the car component called flywheel. This component is disc-shaped and made of high-quality steel material, making it sturdy.
Function of the Crazy Wheel
Given its unique name and the inclusion of the word “crazy,” automotive enthusiasts are increasingly curious about its function. Does this component's function also match its name? Instead of being curious, let’s look at its complete functions as follows.
1. Storing and Distributing Energy
The crazy wheel has several functions, one of which is to store and distribute mechanical energy. To ensure that the mechanical energy distribution process runs smoothly, this component utilizes the fastening bolts located at the end of the crankshaft.
2. Balancing Engine Rotation
Next, the crazy wheel can balance the engine rotation so that the car's acceleration is maximized. As is known, the energy supply from the piston is often excessive. This condition can cause the engine rotation to become uneven, resulting in roughness and misalignment. With the presence of the crazy wheel, the excess energy is converted into a more balanced state.
3. Maximizing Engine Speed
Furthermore, the crazy wheel can also increase the engine speed to be more optimal. This condition occurs because the crazy wheel is the first place where the engine rotation happens when the car engine is started. At the edge of the crazy wheel, there is a ring gear that is directly connected to the pinion gear and functions to initiate the gasoline combustion process.
4. Connecting Clutch Components
The last function of the crazy wheel is to serve as a connector for the car's clutch components. How can this be? Because the crazy wheel is utilized as a place or container for the installation of clutch components such as the clutch cover. Then, in the center, a clutch plate is installed that connects to the transmission shaft component. When the clutch cover and crazy wheel clamp the clutch plate, the transmission shaft will rotate.
Read Also: Recognize 10 Symptoms of Transmission Problems to Avoid Severe Damage
Types of Car Crazy Wheels
After you know the function of the crazy wheel, you need to know some types of crazy wheels. Here are the complete types.
1. Single Mass Crazy Wheel
This type has a diameter of 300 mm to 400 mm and is used in older model cars. The advantage of this type of crazy wheel lies in its economical price. However, its disadvantage is that this crazy wheel cannot absorb vibrations or shocks well, reducing passenger comfort when the car passes uneven roads.
2. Dual Mass Crazy Wheel
The second type is the dual mass crazy wheel, which is used in newer model cars. The advantage of this type is its ability to dampen vibrations and shocks better than the previous type. This happens because this type has two discs on the clutch and crankshaft that are separated. Additionally, this crazy wheel also makes fuel consumption more efficient. In terms of disadvantages, this type is relatively expensive.
How the Crazy Wheel Works
The working principle of the crazy wheel is quite simple; the crazy wheel stores mechanical energy that comes from the engine's torque. Subsequently, this energy will be released by rotating the engine. The engine rotation increases when the mechanical energy is stored by the crazy wheel. Meanwhile, when this mechanical energy is released, the engine rotation becomes stable.
To keep the condition of the crazy wheel in your car always maintained, you need to perform regular maintenance. Speaking of proper and professional car maintenance, you can visit a Daihatsu workshop. In this workshop, you will receive maintenance from skilled professionals and adequate maintenance equipment.
