Can I drive with a cracked flexplate
is a question people ask when they hear clicking noise from the transmission and engine. Because transmission repairs are expensive, it’s reasonable that you should put off correcting the problem, but is that safe?
The flexplate connects the automatic transmissions to the engine, and upon failure, the engine will not be able to transfer power to the wheels, preventing the car from moving.
This unique guide explains everything you need to know about driving a vehicle with a cracked flexplate.
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Can You Drive a Car With a Cracked Flexplate?
Yes, you can drive a car
with a cracked fexplate, but it can cause all kinds of problems. It can cause issues like engine not starting, loss of power when driving, and even lead to engine knocking. In the worst-case scenario, a cracked flexplate can even catch fire.
If your flexplate is cracked and not broken, you may be able to drive your automobile briefly, but this is not advised. Driving with a cracked flexplate can aggravate the crack, causing many issues. If you must drive with a cracked flexplate, be gentle on the accelerator to reduce stress on the flexplate.
Driving is only possible if your Flexplate is fixed. You must tow your automobile to a technician or repair shop to replace the Flexplate. Depending on the degree of the break, you may need to replace further engine components.
What Does Flexplate Mean?
Flexplate means a flat, circular plate mounted to an engine’s crankshaft. The torque converter is mounted on the flexplate and it provides a support form. The flexplate also has gear teeth carved into it that mesh with the starter motor.
When the starter is turned on, it spins the flexplate, which causes the engine to start. The flexplate is composed of steel and is extremely durable. However, the flexplate might develop cracks over time and with use.
Cracks in the flexplate can cause serious issues because they can cause the torque converter to disengage from the flexplate or cause chunks of metal to break off and damage other engine elements.
What Are the Causes of a Broken Flexplate?
The causes of a broken flexplate are missing guide pins, excessive vibrations and unbalanced torque converter, gearbox and engine, heavy wear, cracks in the welds, improper installations, foreign bodies in the transmission, and crankshaft bending. Flexplate is intended to be long-lasting, however, it can shatter under specific conditions.
Extreme Vibration
Another major cause of flexplate failure is excessive vibration. Various circumstances, such as an imbalanced engine, worn engine mounts, or loose bolts, can cause a vibrating engine.
Vibration stresses the bolts that secure the flexplate, causing them to loosen and eventually shatter.
Missing Guide Pins
The flexplate might become misaligned and put stress on the bolts that hold it in place if the guide pins are missing or broken. This causes the bolts to loosen and shatter, resulting in a broken flexplate.
The flex plate might warp if the engine is not correctly balanced. This might happen if the engine is overloaded or the crankshaft is out of balance. Warping strains the bolts that secure the flexplate, causing them to loosen and finally shatter.
Welds with Cracks
Flexplate cracking can occur if it is not correctly welded. This can occur if the welding procedure is not performed appropriately or the welds need to be more robust.
Weld cracks might cause the flexplate to break apart and fail.
Excessive Wear
If the flexplate is overly worn, it can crack and finally fail. This might happen if the engine is overloaded or the flexplate needs to be properly maintained.
Heavy wear strains the bolts that secure the flexplate, causing them to loosen and finally break.
Manufacturing Flaws
Due to manufacturing flaws, the flexplate may develop cracks or other issues. This can occur if the flexplate needs to be properly manufactured or is constructed of inferior materials. Flexplates might fail early due to manufacturing flaws.
Unbalanced Gearbox, Torque Converter and Engine
The flexplate might vibrate heavily if the engine, torque converter, and gearbox are not properly balanced. This might happen if the engine is overloaded or the crankshaft is out of balance.
Vibration stresses the bolts that secure the flexplate, causing them to loosen and eventually shatter.
Impurities in the Transmission
Impurities in the transmission can harm the flexplate. This can happen if the transmission isn’t maintained properly or if debris gets into the transmission.
The flexplate can fail early due to foreign substances.
Incorrect Installation
If the flexplate is not installed correctly, it can develop cracks and eventually fail. This can happen if the bolts are tightened properly, or the flexplate must be aligned perfectly. Improper installation can also cause the flexplate to vibrate excessively, leading to bolt and eventual flexplate failure.
Crankshaft Bending
Bending the crankshaft can stress the flexplate, causing it to crack. This might happen if the engine is overloaded or the crankshaft is out of balance. A bent crankshaft can also generate excessive flexplate vibration, leading to bolt and eventual flexplate failure.
What Are the Signs of a Cracked Flexplate?
The signs of a cracked flexplate are loss of power at higher speeds, rough-running engine, heavy vibrations through the driver’s seat when driving at normal speeds, Knocking noise when the engine is shifted into drive or reverse and clunking, grinding, chirping of the engine.
If your flexplate is cracked, you will likely hear a rattling noise from the engine area, especially when you start the engine. This cracked flexplate noise will be louder when the engine starts because most load is on the flexplate.
It may go away after a short while as the engine warms up and things expand slightly, but it will usually return when the engine is turned off and cooled down again.
The car may also shake or vibrate more than usual, especially at idle, because a cracked flexplate can cause the torque converter to become unbalanced. Additionally, your car may feel jerky or shake when you accelerate.
Check if the check engine light is illuminated on your dashboard. That should signal that something is wrong with your car.
Is It Possible to Repair the Flexplate?
It is not possible to repair
the flexplate. Your flexplate will need to be replaced if it is broken or damaged. This is not a fix that can be done at home and will require the assistance of a professional.
Once the replacement flexplate is installed, your car should be operational as usual. If you have a broken or damaged flexplate, you should have it repaired immediately. A broken flexplate might cause your engine to misfire and damage other components of your car.
If you need to know whether your flexplate needs to be replaced, take it to a mechanic for an inspection. They’ll be able to inform you whether it must be changed.
What Are the Ways to Detect Cracked Flexplate?
The ways to detect cracked flexplate are removing the torque converter bolts and sliding it back into the transmission. Simply set aside the spark plugs to determine whether or not the flexplate has been damaged. Hire an engine expert or a professional mechanic to evaluate and repair the damage.
If the flexplate is destroyed, the engine will not function normally. As a result, you would have problems with the car. A stethoscope can also be used to check whether or not the flexplate is working correctly.
Put the gadget beneath the bell housing. If you hear weird noises, an engine component is not working correctly. It has received some damage and must be replaced.
FAQs
How Long Can I Drive With a Cracked Flexplate?
You can dive with a flexplate rack for about two to three trips. However, it should not be more than this. You risk destroying other pieces of your vehicle if you do. Taking your car to the repair shop is best to avoid any problem.
How Much Will It Cost You to Change a Cracked Flexplate?
Changing a cracked flex plate will cost about 50 to 160 dollars. The cost of replacing a flexplate varies based on your vehicle’s make and model. However, it is usually a pretty costly fix. You should know that it’ll take at least three hours to get it fixed.
Is It Possible to Fix Your Flexplate On Your Own?
No, it is not possible to fix
your flexpkate on your own. It isn’t something that can easily be done at home because it requires the help of a professional. Once the replacement flexplate is installed, your car should be operational as usual.
Can a Cracked Flexplate Cause Vibration?
Yes, a cracked flexplate can cause vibration
to your car. These vibrations occur in the engine, eventually leading to other potential problems. Ignoring the problem can lead to engine overheating and, finally, failure.
When this vibration happens, the engine may lose power. This explains why auto mechanics recommend replacing the flexplate as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Our unique guide has answered various questions regarding driving with a cracked plate. Let’s have a summary of some of the essential points mentioned.
- It is best to replace a cracked flexplate as soon as possible. Otherwise, other critical engine components may be harmed. Driving with a cracked flexplate is also dangerous.
- The signs of a cracked flexplate are loss of power at higher speeds, rough-running engine and heavy vibrations through the driver’s seat.
- The causes of a broken flexplate are missing guide pins, excessive vibrations and unbalanced torque converter, gearbox and engine, heavy wear and so on.
- The ways to detect cracked flexplate are removing the torque converter bolts and sliding it back into the transmission.
- Changing a cracked flex plate will cost about 50 to 160 dollars.
You should know the signs of a fractured flexplate and what to do about it. When you notice similar problems, engage a mechanic to diagnose the issue and replace the flexplate.
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