Cracked flywheel on auto trans, anyone else?

[Glenn Biggs]

Hello. My auto trany lost most of it's oil through the bell housing. So when I removed it, turned out to be the flywheel hub cracked causing the torque converter to vibrate and screwing up it's shaft and seal. To me the flywheel seems to be made very flimsy for the torque the engine puts out.

-Has anyone had this problem before?
-Do they make a heavy duty flywheel for the explorer?
-Is the FORD converter good or is there an aftermarket one thet I could use?

Thanks for any response.

 

[mrboyle]

This actually is not uncommon for auto transmissions. The "flywheel" on a automatic is actually called a flex plate and it is made of this thin material for a reason. The thin material allows the converter to float better, reducing possible harmonic vibrations from the spinning converter. Over time the flex plate can work harden and crack (like your's did).
As for which converter to get, I recomend a quality furnace brazed aftermarket converter.

 

[Glenn Biggs]

Do you know of a company or web site where I could order one from. I'm stationed in Italy so I have to order everything through the web or mail order. Thanks.

 

[David S.]

I have a cracked flywheel as well and it is hanging in my garage to remind me of my third transmission that went out...on my fourth tranny now. The tranny place (Tanner - don't go there) did not replace it so the third tranny went out after 16,000 miles and it only had a 12,000 mile warranty. Moral of the story...get a lifetime warranty on the tranny.