The name refers to the ability of the disk to flex across its main axis – bending side to side – to take up motion in the torque converter as rotational speeds change.
Why is a flexplate called a flexplate?
Flexplates are much thinner than a Flywheel
The lighter, thinner metal frame has an ability to flex across its main axis – bending side to side (hence the name Flexplate) – taking up motion in the torque converter as the rotational speeds change.
What is the difference between a flexplate and a flywheel?
A flywheel is usually referenced to a car with a standard transmission,and a “flex plate” is used with automatic transmissions. The flex plate bolts to the engine crank shaft and to the torque converter of your automatic transmission.
Do I need a flexplate and a flywheel?
While there are some exceptions, if your vehicle has a manual transmission, you want a flywheel, and if your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you want a flexplate.
What is a flex flywheel?
A flexible flywheel is Valeo technology where it is an evolution of a rigid flywheel. It incorporates a solid, outer flywheel and a thinner 'flex' plate. These two parts are rigidly attached together.
25 related questions foundWhat does a broken flexplate sound like?
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. The reason for the sound involves the flexplate's location and its function.
What causes a flexplate to crack?
Aside from a manufacturing defect, the only things that will cause a cracked flex plate are improper torque on the plate bolts at the crank and torque converter and the most common cause of transmission to engine misalignment; sometimes caused by missing alignment dowel pins that mate the transmission to the engine.
Why does my flexplate 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.
How do I know what flexplate I need?
The key to choosing the correct bolt pattern and tooth count is measuring the torque converter you are using. A 153 tooth flexplate will be paired with a torque converter that has a 10 3/4-inch bolt circle. A 168 tooth flexplate uses a 11 1/2-inch bolt circle.
What happens when a flexplate fails?
The flex-plate can become cracked over time. As a result, this can cause it, to wobble. So, you might notice rhythmic clunking or grinding noises, while the engine is running. A misaligned flexplate, can also keep the engine, from running smoothly.
Is a flex plate a flywheel?
Some cars use a more modest flywheel known as a flexplate, which is all that's needed because the torque converter itself has a ring gear located on its outer edge.
Do modern cars have flywheels?
Every car has a flywheel. Flywheels are heavy metal disks, between 12 and 15 inches in diameter, with gear teeth cut into its circumference. They are attached to the rear of the crankshaft, between the engine and the transmission.
What is in the bell housing?
A bell housing is a bell-shaped extension of an engine crankcase, that contains the flywheel and the clutch.
What does a turbine do in a torque converter?
The turbine causes the transmission to spin, which basically moves your car. The blades of the turbine are curved so that the fluid, which enters the turbine from the outside, has to change direction before it exits the center of the turbine.
Who invented the flywheel?
But it's a good thing James Watt, the pioneering 18th-century Scottish engineer, was willing to tinker around with that ancient technology. By using a wheel to convert the up-and-down thrusts of steam-powered pistons into a continuous rotational motion, Watt invented the modern flywheel.
Can a flexplate go bad?
A bad flex plate could potentially cause a loss of power to the wheels and result in an accident. Many factors can cause wear to and deterioration of your flex plate. 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.
How much does it cost to replace a flexplate?
Based on all these factors, you can get your flexplate under $100 or for a couple of hundred dollars. Combine all of the factors mentioned above, and you safely total a cost of around $1200-$1500 to replace your flexplate.
How long does a flexplate last?
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.
What are flex plates made of?
Meziere's exacting manufacturing tolerances ensure racers can rely on their flexplates to deliver in the most extreme situations. “Our plates are made from 4340 steel and are typically machined to . 170-inch thick.
Will a cracked flexplate cause vibration?
A failed U-joint is a heavy vibration device, but one that is not as heavy at all. Most damaged flexplate joints can be Vibrationous at all speeds, even if the flexplate is balanced as well.
What is a rod knock?
A rod knock is a deep rapping sound that comes from within the engine. It is caused by rod-bearing wear or damage. The vehicle's connecting rod bearings have excessive clearance, causing additional movement. As the piston changes direction, the metal starts hitting metal, which produces the knocking noise.
Can torque converter make knocking noise?
Many noises can occur when your torque converter fails. While the current is relatively low, it will first seem like a whine, reminiscent of a power-steering pump. A series of clutches used inside the assembly with an overrun mechanism can cause damage if bad as this may result in a rattling noise when left unrepaired.
Can you turn flexplate by hand?
And yes you can turn the flywheel/flexplate by turning the crank bolt. That will work fine to move the flywheel/flexplate to get it started, but it's easier to turn it at the flywheel/flexplate with screwdriver/pry bar when you are removing the bolts.
How hard should it be to turn an engine over by hand?
How Hard Should It Be To Turn An Engine Over By Hand? If you don't have plugs in, you can still grab the flywheel and turn the motor on. For a new motor, 20-25 ft lbs sounds in range, but a motor with a few miles should be less than that.
