How to replace a flexplate - flywheel?

Tiny
CSOO111
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
I just had the transmission rebuild. Ran good for a few 1,000 miles and now everytime I start it it's making kinda like a knocking noise. When I press the gas it doesn't pick up speed as fast as it used to, and also makes a loud noise while accelerating.
Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 4:15 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, this noise may be coming from the flywheel. It may be loose or the bolts attaching the torque converter may be loose.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-flexplates-work

this video shows the job step by step on a similar car with diagrams below for your car.

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

1. Install the flexplate. Tighten the bolts in two stages in the sequence shown.
Stage 1: Tighten the bolts to 13 Nm (10 ft. lbs.).
Stage 2: Tighten the bolts to 71 Nm (52 ft. lbs.).

The torque converter bolts are 20 pounds to tighten up.

These bolts being loose will cause the noise. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
SHASEARS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I have a 2000 ford explorer v6 auto that keeps breaking flywheels. My husband has replaced 3. Why do you think it does that?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
The thrust bearing in the motor may be worn out allowing the crank to go back and forth too much. When this happens. It fractures the flywheel. With the mileage it would make sense. Have a shop check it for you. It is a simple check but expensive to repair. With the mileage, the motor would have to be replaced.

Roy
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THE FORD MAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 38 POSTS
A issue that is commonly seen on this model is the transmission bellhousing alighment being off due to missing dowels. It puts undue stress on the flexplate.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRANDON1719
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I am putting a 99 ford explorer tranmission that I dont know for sure if it came out of the 4.0 or the 5.0. I am putting it in a 98 ford explorer sport with vin code "e". I am using the torque converter that came with the transmission. The old converter looks identical to the new one. When I tighten the bolts to the tranny the fly wheel is seized. The bolts line up perfect and the torque converter fits into the flex plate.

P.S. I wish I could donate more but I have quite a bit of money wrapped up in this and my mechanic friend who is supposed to help me doesnt really show up. This will be the fourth time the tranny has been put on and taken back out.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Thank you for the donation.

I would be thinking that the torque converter is not sitting fully in the transmission or it is incorrect and it is to deep, best you check both these prospects first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRANDON1719
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I put the torque converter in the tranny and turned it until it slid further back it may have popped out during installation.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
This can happen easily, check this out.

Mark
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 1:09 PM (Merged)

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