Clutch Masters 15-16 VW Golf R 2.0L 6spd Lightweight Steel flywheel

Clutch Masters FW-450-SF is a single-mass steel flywheel for the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R with the 2.0T and the six-speed manual. Owners usually shop for it for one of two reasons: the factory dual-mass flywheel has started to rattle at idle, clunk on takeoff or shudder when the clutch is let out, or the car has been tuned and the owner wants a lighter, solid flywheel under an upgraded clutch. Clutch Masters lists it at 16 lb.

What the flywheel does in a Golf R

The flywheel bolts to the back of the crankshaft and gives the clutch disc its friction face. It also carries the starter ring gear and stores rotating energy between firing pulses. The Golf R leaves the factory with a dual-mass flywheel, two masses joined by internal springs that soak up the four-cylinder's torsional pulses before they reach the gearbox. That is why Clutch Masters' own rigid-hub Golf R kit, the FX350 17450-HDFF-R, is described as a disc designed for the OEM flywheel: the flywheel does the damping, so the disc does not have to.

FW-450-SF is one solid piece of steel. There are no springs to wear out, and it can be resurfaced at the next clutch job instead of being thrown away. The trade-off is that the damping job moves to the clutch disc. Run it with a sprung, damped-hub disc, not a rigid one, and expect a little more gear rattle at idle than stock. Our dual-mass vs single-mass flywheel guide explains that trade in detail.

Symptoms that point to the flywheel

• Rattle or knock at idle that goes quiet when the clutch pedal is pressed
• Clunk when getting on and off the throttle at low speed
• Shudder or judder on takeoff that a new disc alone did not cure
• Heat cracks, blue spots or a glazed friction face seen with the gearbox out
• A dual-mass unit whose two halves rock or rotate against each other more than the service limit

How to confirm before you buy

A slipping clutch and a failing flywheel can feel alike, so separate them first. Slip shows as rpm climbing faster than road speed in a high gear at full boost; our slipping diagnosis guide covers the road test and shift flare vs slip helps you describe what you feel. Flywheel noise is usually loudest at idle in neutral and changes with the pedal. Once the transmission is out, check the dual-mass unit's free play against the factory limit. If it is past that, or you are installing a stronger single-mass clutch anyway, this is the part to buy.

Fitment

Our listing title says 2015-2016 Golf R. Clutch Masters' application for FW-450-SF is broader: the 2015-2019 Golf R 2.0L Mk7 six-speed with all-wheel drive. It is not listed for the front-drive GTI, DSG cars or the Mk8. If your car has had a drivetrain swap, or you are not sure which flywheel it has, send us the year and VIN before ordering. You can see other Golf R clutch parts in our clutch and rebuild kit collection.

Install notes

• Pair it with a clutch kit specified for a single-mass flywheel, with a sprung disc. Do not reuse a rigid -R disc on it. If you would rather buy the clutch and flywheel as one package, the ACT VW9-HDSS street kit already includes ACT's own Streetlite flywheel, so it replaces this part rather than going with it.
• Clean the crank flange and flywheel mating faces completely dry, fit new flywheel bolts and torque them in a crisscross pattern to the factory figure.
• Wipe the friction face with brake cleaner to remove the protective coating before the disc goes on.
• Replace the release bearing and check the slave and hydraulic line while the gearbox is out, then bleed the clutch with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid.
• Center the disc with an alignment tool such as our 11-piece clutch alignment kit, and follow the clutch maker's break-in. Clutch Masters asks for at least 500 miles of normal driving before hard use.

A lighter flywheel lets the engine rev up and down faster. Read lightweight vs stock flywheel pros and cons if this is a daily driver, and ask us if you need help matching the clutch.

Which Golf R does FW-450-SF fit?

Clutch Masters lists it for the 2015-2019 Golf R 2.0L Mk7 with the six-speed manual and all-wheel drive. It is not listed for the GTI, DSG cars or the Mk8.

How much does it weigh?

Clutch Masters lists FW-450-SF at 16 lb.

Can I keep my rigid -R clutch disc?

No. Rigid-hub discs such as the Clutch Masters 17450-HDFF-R are designed for the factory dual-mass flywheel, which provides the damping. On a single-mass flywheel use a sprung, damped-hub disc.

Will it make more noise than stock?

Usually a little. Without the dual-mass springs, expect more gear rattle at idle in neutral. A sprung disc keeps it to a reasonable level.

Is a clutch included?

No. This listing is the flywheel only. Use a clutch kit made for a single-mass flywheel with a sprung disc. ACT VW9 kits already include their own flywheel, so they are an alternative to this part, not a partner for it.

Can it be resurfaced later?

Yes. Unlike a dual-mass unit, a solid steel flywheel can be machined at the next clutch replacement as long as it stays within spec.

• How to Diagnose Transmission Slipping
• Shift Flare vs. Slip: How to Tell Them Apart
• Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Repair Cost