Flexplate replacement

[mr frog]

while trying to diagnose a knock, i found that one flexplate bolt was pretty darn loose, and there may be a crack close to the center of the plate. the plate looks a lil rusty and there is a lot of crap inside the bellhousing.
i pulled the plugs one by one to see if the knock was associated with one of the cylinders, but it never went away. i havn't quite got around to getting a stethescope... i will do that today i reckon. according to most videos that i've seen of flexplate issues, the sound is exactly the same. i'm guessing pulling the trans is the easiest way to get to it?

[mr frog]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/granillanutz/flexplate.jpg
my flexplate.

[Mudderoy]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/granillanutz/flexplate.jpg
my flexplate.

I don't recognize anything. What is that in the bottom right? A wrench?

[mr frog]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/granillanutz/flexplate2.jpg
it's a very close up picture...

[mr frog]

stethoscope seems to back up my theory too btw. i torqued down the bolts a little more and the sound got a lot quieter. i'm scared to run it too much if that is a crack. i know it's hard to see, but you try to take a pic under there ;)

[seu83]

I've had these go in the past. The flexplate could be fine with loose bolts and tick like that. If you do have to replace it the process isn't to bad, just a little time consuming. You don't have to complely pull the tranny. Just unbolt it from the engine and you should be able to slide it back a couple of inches. I wouldn't be to concerned about driving it though. If the flexplate is cracked enough and shatters completely it shouldn't hurt anything, you'll just need a tow. The last one that cracked on me was on my wj and I drove it for about 10k before I got around to fixing it.

[Mudderoy]

I've had these go in the past. The flexplate could be fine with loose bolts and tick like that. If you do have to replace it the process isn't to bad, just a little time consuming. You don't have to complely pull the tranny. Just unbolt it from the engine and you should be able to slide it back a couple of inches. I wouldn't be to concerned about driving it though. If the flexplate is cracked enough and shatters completely it shouldn't hurt anything, you'll just need a tow. The last one that cracked on me was on my wj and I drove it for about 10k before I got around to fixing it.

Yep, we have one member here that during an engine rebuild found out, and mind you he had to look at it carefully, that his flexplate was cracked and broken completely around outside the bolts. He replaced the flexplate with a new one, but the point he was able to remove the center section by hand, yet he drove it as it was until he removed the engine for the rebuild.

[bluedragon436]

Got to love when stuff like that happens.. at least it didn't let loose on him and damage anything, or leave him stranded on the side of the road

[arnoldschris]

here's what i dug up about this replacement.

got this ehow.

Before beginning replacement of the flexplate, the flywheel reinforcement plate and crankcase spacer should be inspected. Both should be flat and without galling. Replace if necessary.

Engine spacer kits are available for certain makes and models that will lift the engine in order to correct drive shaft angle. They are used to place the engine in proper alignment without drilling or special tools. Use engine spacer kits according to your vehicle's manufacturer specifications only.

Install the crankshaft spacer and the flexplate reinforcement plate without the flexplate. Use the flexplate attachment bolts to tighten to specification. Check the crankshaft spacer and reinforcement plate to ensure they are firmly secure and that the bolts are seated. If not, remove the bolts, spacer and reinforcement plate and the crankshaft holes should be bottom tapped.

The crankshaft spacer, flexplate and reinforcement plates should be reinstalled. Reinstall flexplate attachment bolts.

actually this i also refer to automd for the tips and techniques. and they also got the list of Louisiana auto repair (http://www.automd.com/shops/LA/) shops.

Read more: Flexplate Replacement Procedures | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7256010_flexplate-replacement-procedures.html#ixzz1ogmXMmWU

[vwfoolwhy]

I've had this happen to me a few times. The last one broke all the way around and I too kept driving it until it spun 180 out. it ran ruff but i was able to limp 3 miles home. I replaced it drove for another year sold it and then 6 months latter it happened again.