Wednesday, December 04, 2024 Detailed Auto Topics
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A cracked flexplate is almost always a sign of other problems. If not properly diagnosed it will occur again and often damage to the transmission may follow.

engine to transmission alignment is critical and a broken flexplate is a symptom

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. Because perfect alignment of the engine and transmission are not possible, the flexplate can absorb the minute misalignment.

a cracked flexplate is a symptom of misalignment

As misalignment increases, the flexplate flexes more. This continual flexing eventually causes the metal to fatigue and the flexplate cracks. Misalignment should be less than .008 of an inch and the less the better. When the engine and transmission are manufactured, holes are drilled for bolts to attach them to each other. These holes are larger than the attaching bolts and do not align the two components. Precision dowel pins, that fit very tightly, hold the engine and transmission in alignment.

The dowel pins must be present to align the engine and transmission

Dowel pins must be present to align engine with transmission

missing dowel pins are a common cause of flexplate cracking

When engines and transmissions are serviced or replaced, it is possible to omit these dowel pins. Sometimes they are left out and misalignment results. Other times, bolts are left out, improperly tightened, or foreign objects get caught between the engine and transmission, such as wires. When this occurs the engine/transmission alignment is thrown off and excessive flexing occurs in the flexplate.

There has been instances where engines are not manufactured properly

checking dowel pin alignment with a dial indicator

General Motors had problems with this on their 3.8L engines several years ago. The bolt pattern and dowel pins may be drilled improperly. When this occurs the vehicle is likely to have continued problems with flexplate breakage. A dial indicator may be used to check symmetrically designed engines. On non-symmetric engines, special jigs and complex measurements may be needed.

The more excessive the misalignment, the more frequent problems occur

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. 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.

When a running engine ingest water or coolant, the crankshaft may be bent. Liquids will not compress and immense force is placed on the crankshaft and rods. This sometimes happens with a leaking intake manifold or driving on a flooded street. The bent crankshaft will have run-out at the flange and may have continued problems with flexplate cracking.

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. The sound is very similar to a bad engine rod and is often misdiagnosed. Removing the bolts to the torque converter and sliding it back into the transmission will often reveal the real problem.

When a flexplate breaks, it is important to find the cause

Simply replacing the flexplate will result in recurrence. Trying to install a heavier duty flexplate will normally pass the problem to the transmission. Correcting the cause of the misalignment is the only repair that will give permanent results.





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