Clutch Masters 09-14 Acura TL SH-AWD Aluminum Flywheel

Clutch Masters FW-147-AL is a lightweight single-mass aluminum flywheel for the six-speed manual Acura TL SH-AWD with the 3.7L V6. Buyers looking for it usually have a factory dual-mass flywheel that rattles, knocks on shutdown or has too much free play, and they want to get rid of the dual-mass design for good while the transmission is out for a clutch. It is also the required flywheel if you are moving to a Clutch Masters sprung-disc clutch kit on this car.

What this flywheel does in a TL SH-AWD 6-speed

When Acura added the close-ratio six-speed manual to the SH-AWD TL, it paired it with a self-adjusting clutch and a dual-mass flywheel. The dual-mass unit uses internal springs between two halves to soak up driveline vibration, which makes it smooth but heavy and wear-prone. FW-147-AL replaces it with a one-piece flywheel machined from 6061 billet aluminum with a Type 3 hard-anodized finish and a replaceable steel friction insert. With far less rotating mass, the J37 revs up and drops faster between shifts, which makes rev matching easier and sharpens throttle response. Clutch Masters lists a 15 lb shipping weight for the part; retailers note factory dual-mass units often weigh over 30 lb.

The trade-off is honest and worth knowing up front: without the springs, expect more gear rattle at idle and a bit more driveline noise than stock.

Symptoms of a failing dual-mass flywheel

• Rattle or knock at idle that goes away when you press the clutch pedal
• Clunk on startup or shutdown
• Vibration through the pedal or floor as the clutch engages
• Chatter pulling away even after a new clutch disc
• More than slight rotational free play between the two halves once the transmission is out

How to confirm before you buy

Listen at idle in neutral with the pedal up, then press the pedal. If the rattle stops, the dual-mass or the release bearing is the likely source. Slip in the upper gears points to the disc and pressure plate instead; our slipping diagnosis guide and flare vs slip guide help you sort that out on a road test. Once the transmission is out, rotate the flywheel halves against each other and check for oil from the rear main seal. Our dual-mass vs single-mass guide covers the decision in detail.

Fitment

Clutch Masters lists FW-147-AL for the Acura TL 2009-2014 3.7L SH-AWD. The six-speed manual was only offered from 2010, so it applies to 2010-2014 SH-AWD manual cars; automatic TLs use a flexplate and this part will not fit them. It does not fit the front-drive 3.5L TL. If your car has an engine or transmission swap, send us the year and VIN and we will check it before it ships. See every TL clutch option in rebuild kits.

Install notes

• Clutch Masters says it works with the OEM clutch or a Clutch Masters kit. Their FX250 kit for this car uses a sprung disc that only works on an aftermarket single-mass flywheel, so plan both parts together. The Exedy OE TL AWD kit and the Spec Stage 2 SA402-7 are other options; confirm each kit's flywheel requirement on its page.
• Use new flywheel bolts torqued in a crossing pattern to the factory spec, and clean the friction insert with brake cleaner before the clutch goes on.
• Do not machine the aluminum. When the friction face wears, the steel insert is replaced instead.
• Replace the pilot bearing and rear main seal while you are there, and center the disc with an alignment tool kit.
• Tired mounts amplify the extra rattle of a single-mass flywheel; a 2009-2014 TL mount kit is worth checking at the same time.
• Refill the six-speed with Honda manual transmission fluid and bleed the clutch with fresh brake fluid of the type on the reservoir cap.

Does FW-147-AL fit an automatic TL?

No. It is for the six-speed manual SH-AWD 3.7L only. Automatic cars use a flexplate and torque converter.

Can I reuse my factory clutch with it?

Clutch Masters says it works with the OEM clutch or Clutch Masters kits. Their sprung-disc FX250 kit for the TL actually requires a single-mass flywheel like this one.

Will it be louder than the dual-mass?

Yes. Expect some gear rattle at idle in neutral because there are no damper springs. It does not harm the transmission.

Can the flywheel be resurfaced?

Not like iron. The aluminum body is not machined; the replaceable steel friction insert is swapped when it wears.

Which years does it cover?

The listing covers 2009-2014 TL SH-AWD, but the manual gearbox was offered from 2010, so in practice it fits 2010-2014 SH-AWD six-speed cars.

• How to Diagnose Transmission Slipping: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell Them Apart
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost: What to Actually Expect