Replace the cracked or damaged Flex Plate in your 2011-2016 Chevy/GMC 6.6L LML Duramax. Crack or breakage can happen due to an out of balance engine/torque converter or from bolts that were not torqued to the proper specifications or in the proper sequence. Ring gear teeth can also break off or wear as a result of the starter, failure to use starter shims (where required), or engaging the starter when the engine is running. Excess noise when starting an engine can also be an indication of either a starter failure or broken or missing teeth on your flex plate. A flex plate (or flexplate) is a metal disc used to connect the crankshaft of an engine to the torque converter and automatic transmission. The flex plate takes the place of the flywheel found in a standard manual transmission setup. Flex plates are generally much thinner and lighter than flywheels due to the smooth coupling action of the torque converter and the lack of a clutch surface. A flex plate typically consists of two parts; the flex-plate and the ring gear, fitted to the outside of it. Eventually cracking or breakage can occur causing it to wobble. Signs of a failed flex plate can include a clunking or grinding sound with the engine running. Steel stock-style replacements are available or upgraded billet versions that are SFI 29.1 certified for competition use. Shop all the top manufacturers such as ATS Diesel, BD-Powers, Diesel Site, DPC, Hays, Revmax, Sun Coast Converters, Valair, and more!
