Flywheel balancing is an intricate process that, just like brake rotors, can only be done by a machine to make sure the specifications are at what they should be. With the help of a flywheel grinder, the process of balancing and resurfacing your flywheel can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Flywheel balancing, also called "resurfacing" in some circles, will smooth out the body of the flywheel to make for better contact with the clutch when driving. If you have ever noticed your clutch slipping when you are driving, it is usually due to having deep scratches in the flywheel that hinder the normal operation of the clutch and the flywheel. Small things, such as slips or jolts when shifting, are usually the first sign that you need to balance your flywheel.
Attach the flywheel to the grinding machine by sticking it in the center and attaching the bolt through the hole of the flywheel to hold it in place. When starting the machine, it will rotate the flywheel and begin spraying a cooling liquid onto the flywheel to give it lubrication and also allow it not to heat up and crack as the grinder begins working.
The process will take about 15 minutes as the grinder will go over the body of the flywheel slowly and get all the indentations out and make it smooth. This process can only be done on a flywheel about twice before it will have to be replaced because there will not be enough metal to keep the flywheel at optimum performance. Once the machine has finished going over the body, turn off the machine. Let the flywheel cool for a few moments before putting it back on the car.
If the indentations are too deep on the flywheel (meaning you can fit your thumbnail into them), you will need to replace your flywheel because it is at the point where balancing will not help. The balance will put it out of specifications and leave you with a hazard inside the vehicle when driving.
