2016 Kia Forte Koup Flywheels and Flexplates

Over 30 years ago, Schaeffler engineers under the LuK product brand developed a revolutionary technology for damping torsional vibrations in the drivetrain : the dual mass flywheel (DMF). Unlike a conventional flywheel, the DMF consists of two masses which are mounted to rotate against each other. A damping system in the form of arc springs is integrated into the DMF. Thus, it absorbs the torsional vibrations of the engine almost completely.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions have a flex plate. The flex plate connects the engine and transmission. Most flex plates are made of a thick piece of sheet metal with bolt holes for the torque converter and teeth for the starter. The job of a flex plate is to allow for expansion of the torque converter as engine RPM increases. The constant expansion and contraction of a flex plate over time can result cracks and/or shearing of the flex plate. A damaged flex plate can create serious (expensive) damage. Broken flex plates can not be repaired, they must be replaced. ATP flex plates are made of high quality steel and contain the correct bolt hole spacing and ring gear teeth just like the original part to ensure long life and durability.