Noisy flexplate...

[Bluebird]

It sounds like my flexplate is making noise... This only happens at downshift, just before idle, and during idle. When in neutral or park no noise. What is the flexplate function? Could I just tighten the bolts at the inspection cover? Or is a breakdown in the future? Thank in advance for any help, Patrick.

 

[Greenleaf]

Connects the crankshaft to the TC. It has several bolts in its hub which fasten the plate to the crank. And four or so bolts around the outter perimiter to fasten to the TC. When they begin to crack a noise is heard as the plate will begin to rub against it's self @ the crack and may begin to flex enough to make contact with the bell housing. The clearance between the housing and the TC mounting bolts is very minimal.



The cracks generally begin at the hub and cannot be seen by looking through the inspection plate opening.



You will, however, see metal flakes and or pieces of the plate lying in the bottom of the housing if there is a problem. The transmission will not have to be dropped from the truck. Slide it back enough to R&R the plate.



GL

 

[paccool]

The plate should be replaced with a second gen plate. I used one for a 95. These are heavier than the first gen plates. There are several high performance plates now available as well that were not when I replaced mine. Piers has one that is reasonably priced and DTT should have theirs ready to go by now.



When mine let go, I didn't hear any early warnings. Was about 125 miles from home when it started making noise and by the time I made it home, it sounded like a rod was trying to go through the block!



You may want to consider replacing the rear crank seal at the same time if it has been leaking or if the plate has been hitting on it.