How do you check for a broken flexplate?

How do you check for a broken flexplate?

Here are some of the warning signs of a bad flex plate:

1. Clunking, grinding, chirping, or rattling noises from rear of engine when engine is idling.
2. Knocking noise when engine is shifted into drive or reverse.
3. Heavy vibrations felt through the driver’s seat when driving at normal speeds.
4. Rough-running engine.

What would cause a flexplate to break?

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. 3) Failure to torque the flexplate bolts to proper specifications and in proper sequence.

Can a cracked flex plate cause transmission problems?

A cracked flex plate is almost always, a sign of other problems. So, if not properly diagnosed, it will occur again and often damage to the transmission may follow. The same things that caused the flexplate to crack, can also cause transmission problems.

What to do if you have a flexplate problem?

So, if you suspect you have a flexplate problem, there are a couple ways to investigate further. So, if you listen to the transmission bell housing with a stethoscope, while the engine is idling; any sounds coming from inside the bellhousing indicate, flexplate problems. Some bell housings have an, inspection port.

Why did my car say its flex plate was broken?

Bingo! No movement of the engine confirmed that the flex plate must be broken. Basically, the starter was engaging and rotating the torque converter but, since the flex plate was broken, the crankshaft was never spinning due to the fact the entire center section was broken. But why did the customer say it quit running on the freeway?

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.