How to replace a flexplate - flywheel?

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.

8 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 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

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)

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 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)

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)

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.