What would cause a flexplate to crack?
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.
Can a flexplate be repaired?
A flywheel can crack on the friction surface from heat caused by a slipping clutch. The ring gear on a flex plate and a flywheel can fail. The ring gear on a flex plate requires replacing the “flex plate assembly”. Either way your transmission will have to be removed to do the repair which is very labor intensive.
How long does it take for a flexplate to crack?
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. This may occur in worn engines or engine that have been poorly rebuilt. An engine, transmission or torque converter that has been dropped may also have damage that will cause misalignment.
What causes a flexplate on a car to crack?
The same things that cause the flexplate to crack can also cause transmission problems. Damaged and leaking front seals and front transmission pumps are common symptoms. When a flexplate cracks, it often produces a loud knocking noise as it rotates.
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.
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 can cause a crack in the flexplate?
What Can Cause, A Cracked Flexplate: Out of balance engine or torque converter. 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.
Can a bad flex plate be replaced with a new one?
A bad flex plate usually has failed due to either damage or wear and tear, so replacement with a new flex plate is the only solution. Because the flex plate is an integral part of your car’s powertrain, and replacing it involves removing the transmission, a significant amount of labor will be involved.
What happens if you fail to torque a flexplate?
Failure to torque the bolts, to proper specifications and in proper sequence. Failure to use starter shims, where required. Poor quality parts. Missing Dowel pins. A loose bolt on a flexplate or a crack between it’s bolt holes can result in a; knocking or rattling sound.
What happens to the flex plate when the engine is running?
The flexplate can become cracked over time. As a result, this can cause the it, to wobble. So, you might notice rhythmic clunking or grinding noises, while the engine is running. A misaligned flex plate, can also keep the engine from running smoothly.