Choosing the Right 6-Speed Clutch – LUK, SACHS, Febi and Valeo

It can be confusing to shop for a replacement clutch for your 6-speed Volkswagen TDI. It is all a bit of a muddle when it comes to single-mass, dual-mass, auto-adjusting, and matching flywheels. Let's attempt to understand it...

Volkswagen 6-Speed Transaxles

The interchangeable clutches can be used with any VW 6-speed gearboxes on Volkswagen TDIs, both factory-installed and retrofit. They are all built around a flywheel with a 240mm diameter and a hydraulic throwout bearing. LUK, Febi-Bilstein, SACHS, and Valeo all provide complete kits that come with a new flywheel. The components are not usually interchangeable, although the assemblies are all interchangeable.

Flywheel and a full clutch kit = no issues

You don't need to worry about whatever brand you choose if you plan to purchase a complete kit with a new flywheel. Any complete system will fit and function with your 6-speed TDI without a hitch. Simply decide which one you require depending on your performance goals, driving-related requirements, and financial constraints.

Problem: Matching Clutch Kit to Current Flywheel

Components can often not be combined. Neither Valeo parts nor a LUK clutch package can be used with a SACHS flywheel. This means that you must use the same brand of clutch if you intend to keep the factory flywheel when you replace your car's clutch. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine whether your car has a SACHS or LUK clutch assembly without removing the transmission from the vehicle; the VIN is of no use in this situation.

LUK Assemblies fit FEBI Components.

Febi-Bilstein is the lone exception to the matching rule. Flywheels and clutches from Febi-Bilstein are compatible with LUK parts. A LUK clutch kit can be used on a Febi-Bilstein flywheel, and a Febi-Bilstein clutch kit can be used on a LUK flywheel.

Dual Mass (DM) vs. Single Mass (SMF) (DMF)

Valeo is the exclusive supplier of single-mass flywheel (SMF) kits. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of single mass vs. dual mass flywheels here, but for the new 02Q and subsequent transmissions, we generally advise against switching. Although there is no concrete evidence, the syncros on the more recent 6-speed manual transmissions appear to be more susceptible to vibration, and we have observed a few single-mass kit autos with failed syncros.