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What is the flexplate on a transmission?
A flexplate (or flex plate) is a metal disk that connects the output from an engine to the input of a torque converter in a car equipped with an automatic transmission. It takes the place of the flywheel found in a conventional manual transmission setup.
What is a flexplate on a diesel?
A flexplate is typically made from stamped steel and has a ring gear welded around its edge so that the starter motor gear can grab onto it when engaged. Since there is no clutch in an automatic transmission setup, the entire setup can be made much lighter as there is nothing that needs to “grab” onto the clutch.
What happens when a flexplate breaks?
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.
Where is a flexplate located?
the crankshaft
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.
How long does it take to change a flexplate?
The entire operation can take anywhere from 6-8 hours. And most mechanics have an hourly rate of about $90-$110.
What happens if flexplate breaks?
Here are some of the warning signs of a bad flex plate: Clunking, grinding, chirping, or rattling noises from rear of engine when engine is idling. Knocking noise when engine is shifted into drive or reverse. Heavy vibrations felt through the driver’s seat when driving at normal speeds.
Is a flexplate and flywheel the same thing?
The flywheel is found primarily in vehicles that have a manual transmission, whereas the flexplate is found in automatic transmission vehicles. Both of these components are typically heavy, but the flexplate is much thinner and therefore lighter than the flywheel.
How long does it take to replace flexplate?
How long should a flex plate last?
The average lifespan of a flexplate is about 100,000 miles. However, it is not uncommon for them to last much longer. Flexplates are made from tough materials and are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. With proper maintenance, they can last a very long time.
Is flexplate and flywheel the same thing?
Flexplates are much thinner than a Flywheel As well as the ring gear it uses to connect with the starter (depending on vehicle and engine size), and are much, much lighter. This is due to the fluid coupling of the torque converter, which eliminates the grinding of a clutch.
What causes a flexplate to keep breaking?
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.
What happens when your flexplate breaks?