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If your vehicle features an automatic transmission, replacing a flexplate part periodically is vital to keeping both engine and transmission aligned. Flexplates transfer power from engine to transmission while keeping both in alignment.
A flexplate connects the crankshaft to the torque converter. Additionally, it helps smooth out engine pulses, prevent overheating, and ensure your car starts and runs smoothly.
Flexplates
Flexplates are essential components of most automatic transmission vehicles, serving to connect the crankshaft to the torque converter while also featuring outer teeth which engage with starter motors upon engine startup.
Flexplates differ from flywheels typically found on manual transmission cars in that both are designed to transfer engine power from engine to transmission; however, while both transfer the same energy efficiently and lightweight, flexplates tend to be lighter and more cost effective solutions than their flywheel counterparts.
A key difference between flexplates and flywheels lies in their design: one lacks friction surface while storing energy; moreover, flexplates tend to be more flexible than their flywheel counterparts which may bend with changing rotational speeds in their metal frames.
Flexplates are typically utilized with torque converters in vehicles to replace clutch and pressure plate arrangements of automatic transmissions, connecting crankshaft to torque converter and transmitting engine power from engine to transmission. Their primary function is connecting crankshaft to torque converter and transmitting engine power into transmission.
Flexplate failure often produces a clicking noise when driving or idling the engine, as a result of cracks or breaks between its bolts.
Flexplates may crack due to excessive vibration in the powertrain. This could be caused by improper engine balance, poor installation of the flexplate or improper fasteners on crankshaft or torque converter mounting points.
Damaged or warped flexplates can cause premature wear-and-tear on the ring gear, making starting the engine difficult or giving a feeling of “bogging down.” In these instances, starting attempts may fail altogether and even “bog down”.
Flexplates can become vulnerable when starter motors wear down, leading to damage of their ring gear and not meshing properly with its starter pinion gear. If this condition goes unchecked it could result in the starter stalling and eventually breaking completely down.
Ring Gear
Ring gears are one of the key components in a vehicle’s transmission, providing a link from its crankshaft to its torque converter and acting as a drive coupling between these parts. They’re typically constructed using cast iron or carbon steel.
Ring gears typically come equipped with a phosphate coating to assist with their break-in process. New ring gears may require several stages of break-in before they can be installed into their final installation positions.
Based on their application, gears can be manufactured from various materials including cast iron, aluminum, and steel. Once manufactured they can be heat treated or ground to improve surface properties for improved performance.
These types of gears can be found in clocks, pumps, watering systems, power plant machinery, material handling equipment and clothes washing and drying machines, to name but a few applications. Furthermore, they can be configured to offer various speeds ratios with multiple spur gears in a planetary gear train.
Automotive applications typically rely on hypoid gear systems, in which the pinion is situated below the centerline of the ring gear. It features both head bearing and flange attachment points to mate with differential housing while its threaded section connects directly with ring gear flange flange.
Sometimes pinions are removable from axle housings to allow for adjustments of preload and mounting distance (see photo below). When this occurs, an offset between pinion and ring gear centerlines may be set to a specific value during manufacturing process.
Hypoid gear sets typically exhibit an offset that ranges between 15-20 percent of their outside diameter, due to friction at the interface between ring gear and pinion, generating heat that leads to extreme wear known as scoring.
When replacing a ring gear, remove the differential case from your car and loosen all ring gear bolts so as to facilitate pulling it from its carrier and off of its mount on the differential. This should make getting rid of an existing ring gear easier as well.
Crankshaft
Crankshaft failure can have severe repercussions for an engine. Composed of main journals, counterweights, flywheel mounting flange and thrust washers – each part works together to ensure smooth and even turning of the crankshaft – its failure can have disastrous results.
Lubricated journals support rod-bearing journals which mount pistons. Pins connect these rod-bearing journals to the main journal for attachment. Pressurised oil flows from the main journal through an angled oil passage to these rod-bearing journals which then mount to pistons.
Crankshaft seals are designed to prevent the crankshaft from leaking oil into its surroundings. Composed of synthetic rubber, this seal fits between the crankshaft and engine block for maximum security and protection from oil leakage. Should this seal become cracked or broken, oil could leak out resulting in serious engine damage.
Autos equipped with automatic transmissions use flexplates as part of their power transfer mechanism to transfer engine power rearward, as well as act as contact points for starters during starting operations.
Flexplates are lightweight alternatives to flywheels usually found on manual transmission cars and far less likely to crack or break under heavy loads. Balanced for smooth running, these flexible plates are designed to take account of minor discrepancies between engine and transmission alignment and offer smooth shifting performance.
These components are made from materials strong enough to withstand the rigors of high-horsepower racing. ATI uses material with a 90,000-pound tensile strength and an 80,000-pound yield strength, meaning that thousands of cycles without fracture will pass without issue.
Precision CNC equipment is used to precisely machine and balance these plates for optimal flatness and runout tolerances, then the manufacturer inspects each one to make sure it exceeds OEM specs.
Flexplates are often utilized for transferring power rearward from the crankshaft to the torque converter and serve an essential function in automatic transmission systems. Should one of these flexplates break or crack, this could result in engine failure as well as power transmission being lost resulting in power being lost from your car or truck. Keep in mind that not all flexplates are suitable for every application so make sure to choose the plate best suited to you and your application needs.
Flywheel
Flywheels, typically seen on vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, are engineered metal spinning devices used to transfer rotational energy from your gearbox via torque converter to keep it turning smoothly and efficiently. Though often overlooked when looking at engine compartments or chassis designs, flywheels play an indispensable part in ensuring optimal performance of any truck or car.
At first glance, top of the line products might seem prohibitively costly, but you can still find quality ones at reasonable prices. Made from high strength steel to withstand everyday use and as light as possible to be efficient enough with your ride, manufacturers have taken note and implemented innovative technologies into durable yet lightweight parts capable of meeting even the demands of powerful engines in record time – the key challenge being making sure it is properly aligned and lubricated to avoid premature failure.