Will a cracked flexplate cause vibration?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 12, 2026
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.
How do I know if my flexplate is cracked?
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.
Can a warped flexplate cause vibration?
The vibration is heavy, but not as heavy as failing u-joint. Warped flexplate can lead to vibration through all speed range, notably if flexplate is not balanced.
What does a cracked flexplate cause?
Clunking, grinding, chirping, or rattling noises from rear of engine when engine is idling. Knocking noise when engine is shifted into drive or reverse. Heavy vibrations felt through the driver's seat when driving at normal speeds. Rough-running engine.
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.
36 related questions foundShould a flexplate wobble?
A good flexplate does not wobble. A warped flexplate wobbles around the outside ring teeth, even if the warp is slight.
How do I know if my torque converter is broken?
6 Signs of a Failing Torque Converter
- Loss of Acceleration. ...
- Slipping Between Gears. ...
- Vehicle Won't Shift at All. ...
- Transmission is Overheating. ...
- Transmission Fluid Leak. ...
- Bad Transmission Fluid.
What does a broken flexplate sound like?
Almost sounds like a rod knock, or perhaps a loose torque converter nut hitting the bellhousing or something. I also noticed that the car will "clunk" when it shifts into gear, and from first to second, and second to third. It's not a super loud noise, but sounds similar to a bad U joint.
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.
What are the symptoms of a loose torque converter bolt?
When the torque converter starts malfunctioning, you may feel shuddering and even slipping in overdrive. You usually notice your car shuddering because it feels like it's vibrating. Your car will vibrate even when you're not going very fast. The shuddering makes the car lag and is very noticeable.
Does the flexplate spin in park?
Yes, the torque converter spins in a park, and it's designed to do so. While you might think this means your car isn't getting any power. It's parked. The torque converter directs power from the engine to the transmission using its spinning motion.
What's the difference between flywheel and flexplate?
The flywheel is found primarily in vehicles that have a manual transmission, whereas the flexplate is found in automatic transmission vehicles. Both of these components are typically heavy, but the flexplate is much thinner and therefore lighter than the flywheel.
Can a cracked flywheel sound like a rod knock?
Yes a cracked or loose flexplate can sound like a rod knock.
What does a flexplate do?
The flex plate bolts to the engine crank shaft and to the torque converter of your automatic transmission. When the engine starts and is running the flex plate turns, which turns the torque converter and powers your hydraulic pump in your transmission. They sometimes will crack from just metal fatigue and vibration.
Where is the flexplate located?
A flexplate is mounted to the crankshaft and connects the output from the engine to the input of a torque converter. The torque converter is located between the flexplate and the transmission.
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.
How do I choose a Flexplate?
There are four main factors to consider when purchasing a flexplate.
- The crank style: One or two piece rear main seal. ...
- The torque converter bolt pattern: large 11 1/2-inch or small 10 3/4-inch.
- Ring gear tooth count: 153 or 168.
- Internal or external engine balance.
What is a flex plate on a truck?
A flexplate (or flex plate) is a metal disk that connects the output from an engine to the input of a torque converter in a car equipped with an automatic transmission. It takes the place of the flywheel found in a conventional manual transmission setup.
What does a loose torque converter sound like?
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.
What does a broken torque converter sound like?
Whining or rattling noise:
Likewise, when a vehicle torque converter fails, the car will give a bad torque converter noise–a whining or whining sounds like a power steering pump with little or no fluid in it.
Should a torque converter rattle when you shake it?
Audible Clues. Your torque converter can make a variety of noises when it goes bad. You may first notice a whine, similar to a power-steering pump that is low on fluid. The stator within the assembly uses an overrun mechanism with a series of clutches that, when bad, can cause a rattling noise.
Can a torque converter cause rough idle?
A bad torque converter can also cause rough idling. You might have a torque converter problem if you feel that your idle is a bit jumpy, sometimes too low, and sometimes too high.
What is transmission shudder?
What Is a Transmission Shudder? Also known as a torque converter shudder, a transmission shudder refers to when your vehicle's transmission begins to noticeably shake or tremble convulsively.
What does a loose flywheel sound like?
Loose flywheel or flexplate bolts make a rattling or knocking sound that changes with engine speed. It's heard behind the engine, where it mounts to the transmission bellhousing.
Can a torque converter sound like a rod knock?
A cracked torque converter can make a knocking noise... more of a "popping" knck though...