Crankshaft
Ever heard of a crankshaft? Lots haven’t, but it plays a starring role in every journey you take.
You needn’t understand every component beneath your bonnet to keep your vehicle in top condition. However, learning about certain vital parts can help you avoid costly repairs down the line. This remarkable piece of engineering quietly performs the crucial task of converting your pistons’ up-and-down motion into rotational force – the kind that propels your wheels forward. Thankfully, crankshafts are built for endurance, but their longevity depends entirely on proper care.
Whilst crankshaft failures remain relatively uncommon, fresh, high-quality oil and scheduled servicing prevent premature wear, ensuring all components work harmoniously for years to come.
So, whilst your crankshaft shouldn’t demand daily attention, maintaining your service schedule is absolutely vital. In this guide, we’ll give Thatcham, Newbury and Reading motorists a straightforward overview of what the crankshaft and crankshaft position sensor do, why they matter, and how regular maintenance at Fergies Garage protects both your engine and your wallet.
Discover What a Crankshaft Is
The crankshaft resides in the lower portion of your engine block. This precisely engineered component sits within your engine’s crankcase, with the oil pan positioned beneath, containing the essential lubricating oil.
The crankshaft represents an impressive feat of automotive engineering. Examine the diagram closely, and you’ll appreciate its intricate design! Engineered to withstand tremendous forces, it incorporates numerous carefully designed elements.
To minimise vibration during operation, the crankshaft features strategic counterweights. It also contains internal oil passages (oilways) allowing oil to flow through, protecting it from the extreme stresses experienced within your engine.
This highlights precisely why premium-quality oil and regular servicing aren’t merely recommendations – they’re absolute necessities. Metal-to-metal contact would quickly lead to excessive friction, heat accumulation, surface scoring, and ultimately catastrophic engine failure without proper lubrication reaching these critical areas.
The Crankshaft’s Role in Your Car
In simple terms, your crankshaft transforms the pistons’ linear (up-and-down) movement into rotational energy. This rotation delivers power to your clutch, gearbox, and ultimately, your vehicle’s wheels. Simultaneously, the crankshaft drives the camshaft via a timing chain, belt, or gears, ensuring precise valve timing. Additionally, it powers essential components such as your alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor through a system of pulleys.
Common Crankshaft and Sensor Issues
Your crankshaft is designed to last throughout your vehicle’s lifecycle, provided regular oil changes have taken place. Damage to the crankshaft itself is unusual, but when it occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic, potentially requiring extensive rebuilding or complete replacement.
What’s far more likely to fail in contemporary vehicles is the crankshaft sensor. If your vehicle relies on the crankshaft position sensor for timing signals and it malfunctions, the engine simply cannot run, as the Engine Control Unit (ECU) requires this data for proper ignition and fuel injection timing.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is an electronic device that monitors your engine’s crankshaft. Mounted to the engine block, it detects the crankshaft’s movement and generates signals that indicate its rotational speed and precise position during operation.
Accurate crankshaft position monitoring is essential for modern engine function. The ECU requires exact information about the crankshaft position to optimise spark timing and fuel delivery. Without this data, the engine can’t determine when to fire the spark plugs or activate the fuel injectors.
A failing crankshaft sensor may cause the engine to stall or, in some instances, prevent it from starting altogether, as the ECU cannot determine the crankshaft position. This makes the crankshaft position sensor a critical component in your vehicle’s operation.
Spot the Signs of a Failing Crankshaft or Sensor
If your crankshaft or position sensor begins to fail, you might notice several warning signs. Be vigilant for these symptoms:
- Engine Performance Issues – A deteriorating sensor might cause the engine to misfire, as the ECU doesn’t have the information it needs to operate. You may experience rough idle, reduced power, or sluggish acceleration.
- Check Engine Light – Modern vehicles continuously monitor sensor performance. When your ECU detects inconsistent signals from the position sensor, it will illuminate your dashboard warning light. This should never be ignored.
- Unusual Noises or Vibration—Larger-than-usual engine vibrations or noises could result from physical crankshaft damage. If this is the case, call us and book an appointment.
- 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.
- Temperature-Related Failures – High temperatures can affect the crankshaft sensor, sometimes causing intermittent issues where the engine stalls and only restarts after cooling down.
Early detection is absolutely crucial! Identifying these symptoms promptly can be challenging, but recognising them early significantly increases your chances of preventing serious engine damage. Professional diagnosis is strongly recommended to confirm crankshaft or sensor issues before they lead to expensive repairs.
Keep Your Crankshaft Healthy with Regular Oil Changes
Several important maintenance steps can keep your crankshaft in excellent condition, preventing damage, wear, or failure. Follow this advice to protect this critical component:
Quality Oil Selection:
- At Fergies Garage, we use only manufacturer-recommended oil specifications.
- Premium synthetic oils deliver the protection your crankshaft and bearings need.
- Incorrect oil can lead to wear and tear with potentially severe consequences.
Regular Oil Changes:
- Our technicians 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.
Professional Servicing:
- Your service booklet’s schedule is calculated to prevent wear before it begins! Our skilled technicians ensure these intervals are strictly observed.
- Regular inspections allow early detection of potential issues before they cause significant damage.
Sticking to these maintenance practices will dramatically reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns and costly engine repairs.
Rely on Our Expertise for Your Car’s Care
When it comes to crankshaft care, manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules exist for good reason. At Fergies Garage, we firmly believe prevention is always preferable to repair, and regular servicing is the key. As winners of Top Garage 2021 and Top Technician 2018, we’re the go-to local garage, proudly serving drivers across Thatcham, Newbury and Reading. Our approach 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 replacement 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 Thatcham’s challenging roads, and your long-term peace of mind.
Don’t leave your engine’s health to chance. Ring us on 01635 778002 with any questions about your crankshaft, crankshaft position sensor or to schedule your next service.
