What causes a flexplate to wear out?
The following causes for cracked flexplate failures: 1) Out of balance engine or torque converter. 2) Bad starter drive can cause teeth or ring gear to wear rapidly or break off. Teeth can also break when engine is running and starter is engaged. 4) Some applications may require starter shims to be used.
What does a failed flex plate do to a truck?
The flexplate also has gear teeth on it which the starter engages to start the engine. A failed flexplate is pretty much an unlucky event under normal driving conditions, nothing you can really do to prevent it. A flex plate seldom ever fails. Have you owned the truck since new or is it known if the transmission has ever been out before?
Where does the flexplate go on an automatic transmission?
The flexplate takes the place of the flywheel on automatic transmission vehicles. It bolts to the end of the crankshaft and attaches to the torque converter. There is also a large gear attached, used by the starter to crank the engine.
What does the flexplate do on a car?
The flexplate and the ring gear, fitted to the outside of it. The starter motor, engages this ring gear to start the engine. There may be times that you have to remove it. But, if you have to remove the flexplate, it must go back on the same way.
What to do if you have a flexplate problem?
So, if you suspect you have a flexplate problem, there are a couple ways to investigate further. So, if you listen to the transmission bell housing with a stethoscope, while the engine is idling; any sounds coming from inside the bellhousing indicate, flexplate problems. Some bell housings have an, inspection port.
Can a cracked flex plate cause transmission problems?
A cracked flex plate is almost always, a sign of other problems. So, if not properly diagnosed, it will occur again and often damage to the transmission may follow. The same things that caused the flexplate to crack, can also cause transmission problems.
What does it mean when your flex plate fails?
So, a engine making noise when starting, often indicates either a; starter failure or broken teeth on your transmission flex plate. Also, some cars require several hours to replace the starter and hundreds of dollars, for a replacement part.
Where does the flexplate go in a car?
A flexplate is mounted to the crankshaft and connects the output from the engine to the input of a torque converter. Torque converters replace the clutch of a manual transmission. Allowing the load to be separated from the power source.
So, if you suspect you have a flexplate problem, there are a couple ways to investigate further. So, if you listen to the transmission bell housing with a stethoscope, while the engine is idling; any sounds coming from inside the bellhousing indicate, flexplate problems. Some bell housings have an, inspection port.