What is a cracked flexplate?
A cracked flexplate is almost always a sign of other problems. 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 a crack in the flexplate mean?
Similar in function to a flywheel in manual transmission engines and called a flexplate due to its expansion, or flexing, during the operation of the engine, flexplate usage presents opportunities for cracks to develop. The classic and most obvious symptom of a cracked flexplate involves the sound it makes while the engine is running.
What kind of noise does a cracked flexplate make?
Noise The classic and most obvious symptom of a cracked flexplate involves the sound it makes while the engine is running. Descriptions of the sound include clanking, chirping and a light knocking. At high speeds, the flexplate — like most engine parts — endures a considerable amount of strain and stress.
What is the flexplate on an auto engine?
A vital part of an automobile engine equipped with automatic transmission, a flexplate consists of a piece of thick sheet metal that bolts to the crankshaft and torque converter.
Can a misalignment cause a flexplate to break?
Slight misalignment may only cause a single flexplate to break in the life of the vehicle. More severe misalignment can break a flexplate in 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Excessive crankshaft flange run-out or end plate can also cause flexplate cracking.
How many times has my flex plate cracked?
Q: The flexplate has cracked twice in the past 6 months. The flexplate has cracked twice in the past 6 months. I replaced it with a brand new one.
Similar in function to a flywheel in manual transmission engines and called a flexplate due to its expansion, or flexing, during the operation of the engine, flexplate usage presents opportunities for cracks to develop. The classic and most obvious symptom of a cracked flexplate involves the sound it makes while the engine is running.
How can you tell if your flex plate is faulty?
So, here are a few signs that are prominent and point towards some defects in the flex plate of your vehicle. The noise made by the starter motor when the engine is started says a lot about the condition of the flex plate. If you hear a whining sound when the flex plate spins, there exists a good chance that the plate is faulty.
Noise The classic and most obvious symptom of a cracked flexplate involves the sound it makes while the engine is running. Descriptions of the sound include clanking, chirping and a light knocking. At high speeds, the flexplate — like most engine parts — endures a considerable amount of strain and stress.