Crankshaft
Hidden deep inside your engine, the crankshaft works tirelessly to keep your car moving, but it’s rarely given a second thought.
Most drivers in Camberley and Farnborough navigate thousands of miles with little consideration for this vital component. Yet, without it functioning correctly, your journeys would immediately halt. Its distinctive design – a sophisticated metal shaft with precisely engineered offset sections – quietly performs an essential role within your engine block.
Here’s the positive news: with appropriate care, crankshaft problems are unlikely. Unlike parts that regularly need replacement, crankshafts are constructed for durability, provided they receive proper lubrication and maintenance.
This is precisely why scheduled servicing becomes crucial. By ensuring clean, high-quality oil circulates through your engine’s critical components, we can help your crankshaft continue to perform flawlessly for years. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the crankshaft so important, how it functions alongside the crankshaft position sensor, and why JDK Automotive’s maintenance approach keeps Camberley and Farnborough motorists moving safely and economically.
Crankshaft Basics: Position and Role
Located in the lower section of your engine block, the crankshaft operates out of sight but performs a fundamental function. This robust, intricately machined component sits protected within the crankcase, with the oil pan containing essential lubricating oil beneath it.
Your crankshaft represents a remarkable feat of automotive engineering. One glance at a diagram reveals how complex it is! Engineered to withstand tremendous forces, each section serves a specific purpose.
The counterweights on your crankshaft help neutralise vibration throughout engine operation. It also features sophisticated internal oil passages (oilways) that distribute oil precisely where needed, shielding it from the punishing stresses of daily driving across Camberley and beyond.
This underscores the vital importance of premium-quality oil and consistent servicing intervals. Should these oilways become blocked or the oil quality deteriorates, direct metal contact quickly leads to catastrophic consequences: excessive friction, significant temperature increases, surface damage, and ultimately, complete engine failure.
What Role Does a Crankshaft Play?
Consider your crankshaft as a mechanical interpreter: it transforms the linear (up-and-down) motion generated by your pistons into rotational force that ultimately propels your vehicle through Camberley’s varied streets.
This rotational motion travels through your clutch and gearbox before reaching your wheels. Simultaneously, the crankshaft drives your camshaft via a timing chain, belt, or gear system, ensuring valves open and close with perfect precision. Additionally, it powers crucial auxiliary systems, including your alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor, through a network of pulleys and belts.
Common Faults and Issues
Your crankshaft isn’t typically categorised as a wear item. Manufactured from exceptionally durable materials and engineered to exact tolerances, it should continue operating reliably throughout your vehicle’s service life, provided you’ve adhered to manufacturer-recommended service schedules. When crankshaft damage does occur, the consequences are serious, often requiring comprehensive engine rebuilding or complete replacement. Although we don’t offer crankshaft replacements, we are happy to help with diagnosis.
More frequently encountered in modern vehicles is crankshaft position sensor failure. Many contemporary engines depend on this electronic component for precise timing signals. If your engine relies on this sensor and it fails, your Engine Control Unit (ECU) loses vital data necessary for coordinating ignition and fuel injection timing, potentially leaving you stranded in Farnborough until the sensor is replaced.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
This sophisticated electronic device constantly monitors your crankshaft’s movements. Securely mounted to your engine block, the sensor tracks both rotation speed and exact positioning as your engine operates.
In modern engines, this information is absolutely essential. Your vehicle’s ECU relies on these precise measurements to optimise every aspect of engine performance, from exactly when spark plugs fire to precisely when fuel injectors activate. Without this continuous data flow, your engine management system cannot detect your crankshaft’s position.
When this sensor begins deteriorating, it can trigger a range of symptoms, from intermittent performance issues to starting difficulties. The ECU simply cannot calculate proper engine timing without reliable crankshaft position data, making this relatively small component critically important to your vehicle’s operation.
Spot these Signs of a Failing Crankshaft or Position Sensor
Watch carefully for these key indicators suggesting your crankshaft or its position sensor may require professional attention:
- Check Engine Light Illumination – Modern vehicles continuously monitor sensor performance. When your ECU detects inconsistent or absent signals from the crankshaft position sensor, it typically triggers your dashboard warning light. Never ignore this important alert.
- Unusual Noises or Vibration – If your engine produces strange sounds or excessive vibration, particularly under load, this could indicate crankshaft damage. This situation warrants immediate professional assessment.
- Temperature-Related Failures – High temperatures affect the crankshaft sensor, sometimes resulting in intermittent issues where the engine stalls and only restarts after cooling down.
- Difficulty Starting – The crankshaft sensor tracks the crankshaft’s position and speed during engine startup. If it fails to transmit this data to the ECU, the engine may not start. When the engine is already running, you might not notice an issue regardless of whether the engine light appears, as the system estimates the crankshaft position based on previous data. Problems typically emerge only when you turn off the engine and attempt to restart it later.
- Engine Performance Issues – A failing sensor might cause your vehicle to misfire unexpectedly, as the ECU cannot determine when to fire the spark plugs or activate fuel injectors correctly. You may notice rough idle, where your vehicle shakes or vibrates excessively when stationary. The engine might also deliver reduced power, resulting in sluggish acceleration.
Recognising these symptoms promptly could save significant repair costs. Although we don’t offer crankshaft replacements, recognising the symptoms above can help identify potential issues before major damage occurs. At JDK Automotive, our experienced technicians can pinpoint the root cause before recommending the best course of action.
Maintain Your Crankshaft with These Simple Steps
Several crucial maintenance steps will keep your crankshaft in excellent condition, preventing damage, wear, or failure. Follow these essential practices to protect this critical component:
Regular Oil Changes:
- At JDK Automotive, we strictly follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines on oil change intervals as part of your regular service, preventing premature wear.
- Fresh oil provides crucial lubrication, removes harmful contaminants, prevents corrosion, and dissipates heat effectively.
Quality Oil Selection:
- We use only manufacturer-recommended oil specifications at JDK Automotive.
- Premium synthetic oils deliver superior protection for your crankshaft and bearings.
- Incorrect oil can lead to premature wear with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Professional Servicing:
- Never miss your annual service! That’s when our experts select and replace your oil, as described above.
- Regular inspections allow early detection of potential issues before they cause significant damage.
Adhering to these maintenance practices will dramatically reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns in the future.
Your Car Deserves the Best – Trust Us
When it comes to crankshaft care, manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules exist for good reason. We firmly believe in being proactive about caring for your vehicle – and regular servicing is the key. Our approach at JDK Automotive has earned us a {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} satisfied customers.
With us, you’ll get:
- A comprehensive 12-month parts and labour guarantee
- Specialised tools for all inspections and repairs
- Guaranteed use of manufacturer-specified or premium OEM components
- Outstanding value and completely transparent pricing
(OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When it comes to vehicle parts, this means the parts are made by the same company that produced the original parts for the vehicle manufacturer)
Our dedicated team consistently delivers exceptional service by prioritising your vehicle’s reliability, your safety on Camberley’s and Farnborough’s roads, and your long-term peace of mind.
Don’t leave your engine’s health to chance. Ring us on 01276 535585 with any questions, crankshaft position sensor replacements, or to schedule your next service. Our friendly experts are here to help keep you safely on the road.
