How to replace a flexplate - flywheel?

2004 FORD EXPLORER
157,000 MILES • 4.0L • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CSOO111
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
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.
Jan 27, 2021 at 4:15 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 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.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jan 27, 2021 at 4:51 PM
Avatar
SHASEARS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2000 ford explorer v6 auto that keeps breaking flywheels. My husband has replaced 3. Why do you think it does that?
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:08 PM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 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
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
THE FORD MAN
  • EXPERT
  • 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.
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BRANDON1719
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
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.
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:09 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 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)
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:09 PM (Merged)
Avatar
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.
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:09 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
This can happen easily, check this out.

mark
Feb 18, 2021 at 1:09 PM (Merged)