How to Replace a Flexplate

The flexplate is a large round steel disc attached directly to the crankshaft on the rear of the engine. It has a starter gear ring around the outside circumference of the disc. The flexplate's purpose is to transfer the power from the engine to the transmission when the transmission torque converter is bolted to it. A flexplate is used strictly on automatic transmissions where a flywheel is used for a standard shift transmission.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• Set of 3/8-inch sockets
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• ½-inch air gun
• Set of ½-inch sockets
• Common screwdriver
• Set of wrenches
• Large prybar
• Socket extension

Instructions

1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the front wheels with the ½-inch air gun and socket.

2. Remove the front brake calipers using the 3/8-inch ratchet and appropriate socket. Hang the caliper on the spring so it does not hang by the hose.

3. Remove the two large bolts holding the strut to the spindle using the ½-inch air gun and socket and wrench. Remove the large center nut on the end of the axle located in the center of the rotor using the ½-inch air gun and appropriate socket.

4. Separate the spindle from the strut by pulling them apart by hand now that the bolts are removed. Pull the spindle outward and push the axle in toward the engine and remove from the spindle. Using the prybar, insert it in between the transmission and the inner CV joint on the axle to pry the CV joint out of the transmission. Lay the drive axle on the ground and do the other side the same.

5. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery with a wrench. Remove the starter bolts using a 3/8-inch socket and ratchet. Remove the wires on the rear of the starter and then pull the starter off of its mount.

6. Remove all the wiring on the top of the transmission bell housing by either disconnecting the connectors or removing the bolt holding the harness to the transmission. Remove the speed sensor by removing the 10 mm bolt on the rear on the transmission using the 3/8-inch socket and ratchet and then pull the sensor up and out of the transmission.

7. Remove the ail cooler lines on the front side of the transmission with the appropriate wrench and cap the hoses to prevent leaks.

8. Remove all the bolts in the top side of the bellhousing using the 3/8-inch socket and ratchet. If you cannot reach the bolts, you will need to use an extension. Remove the transmission shift cable from the top side of the transmission by prying off of the lever.

9. Remove the lower torque converter cover using a 3/8-inch socket and ratchet. Remove the three bolts in the torque converter that are holding the torque converter to the flexplate as seen through the opening where the cover was removed. Use the 3/8-inch socket, ratchet and a wrench.

10. Place the floor jack under the transmission pan and raise it just enough to touch the pan. Remove all remaining transmission bell housing bolts. Pry the transmission away from the engine with the common screwdriver. Make sure the transmission is balanced on the floor jack. Lower the transmission to the floor.

11. Remove the bolts in the center of the flexplate using the air gun and appropriate socket.

12. Replace the flexplate by first checking the center hole to make sure that the convex circumference is facing away from the engine when installed. This is where the outside of the center hole is bent outward. Replace all items in reverse order of removal.