Knacked Flex Plate

Following on from a recent thread of mine regarding a 'knocking/rattling' coming from my Disco, and after much searching and 'Googling', I have come to the conclusion that my 300TDi Disco has knacked Flex Plate I have not been able to check it, but seeing as the engine seems to have plenty of compression when I rotate the crank, and the ring gear can be turned easily by hand, it seems favourite! (I originally thought it was a broken crank, so could be worse - assuming I am right of course!)



It seems I am looking at around £100 for a replacement plate so not the end of the world (quite!)


My question is, do I remove the engine to replace the plate, or can it be done by pulling the gearbox back far enough to get at the plate? I know I have to be careful to make sure I leave the TC in place when seperating the engine and box, I already have the starter motor off so can get at the 4 bolts through to the TC.


Any help/advice would be welcomed with open arms.


Thanks guys.
JB

Bump!

Got the same problem as you mate... Sourced a replacement flex plate last weekend and gonna take out the engine when I find the time. From the way I look at it, taking out the engine is the easiest approach because unless you have a transmission jack that can lift up the box and offer it up to the engine when you're done, you honestly dont want to be messing around underneath the vehicle with all those weights bearing down.... best of luck and let us know how it goes.

Cheers mate. Where did you get your replacement plate from? I was looking at Ashcroft and there is also a seller on the Bay of E.

JB

Johnny Disco said:

Cheers mate. Where did you get your replacement plate from? I was looking at Ashcroft and there is also a seller on the Bay of E.

JB

Click to expand...

I believe you'd be better off with a new one from Ashcroft... Pulling the heavy stuff out of the car is not one of the jobs I fancy doing, so I'd rather put on a new good one that may probably outlast the engine/transmission than put on a used one that may already have microscopic stress fractures that may ultimately fail and have you pulling out the heavy stuff again a few months down the line...

Good point mate

Ashcroft it is then.

if you have an engine crane taking the box off isn't all that bad. I've done clutch's that way on defenders and disco's some find it easier dropping the box were as some find it easier to pull the engine. either ways you have to line up the input shaft

I have a crane and also a couple of trolley jacks, so maybe removing the radiator and moving the engine forward is an option?

Because it's an auto, I only have to make sure the Torque Converter stays in the 'box and shim/align the new plate with that and the flywheel so hopefully it's do-able!

I would prefer not to take the engine out if at all possible, but if it has to then so be it

If you remove the rad, exhaust and engine mountings, with the engine on the crane you can pull the engine forward and turn it across the engine bay at bit of an angle. Then you can get at the back of the engine and front of the gearbox enough to do a clutch, so I expect it would be the same for the autobox. This saves taking the bonnet off, which is difficult on your own. Just pull the bonnet as far open as the hinges will allow, and hold it open with string off the garage roof. This gives just enough room for a crane to reach, and support the engine. Support the gearbox underneath first of course.