Did you know that a crankshaft can figuratively be called the heart of an engine due to its crucial function?
One can not simply talk about engines without bringing up the crankshaft. So, if you have been wondering what exactly they do and how they work, you have stumbled upon the right piece!
In this article, we will discuss this integral part of any engine with the assistance of car services in Adelaide. In the final section, we will also see how these experts can help and how much they charge for such repairs. Join us as we dive deeper.
What is the Crankshaft?
As the mobile car mechanic says, the crankshaft is the component of an engine that converts linear motion into rotational motion. The pistons of your car function by moving in a sequential linear up-and-down movement. This is where the crankshaft transforms this reciprocating linear motion into rotational movement.
It is a rotating shaft containing crankpins, which are driven with the help of pistons and connecting rods. As the mobile mechanic Adelaide explains, they are among the most important components that make the engines run. Crankshafts convert the force generated by the combustion into rotary motion, which, in turn, leads the pistons’ linear motion to torque. This torque is then transmitted into the flywheel.
How Does Crankshaft Work?
Before going into the nitty gritty of the mechanism of a crankshaft, let us understand the components of a crankshaft.
As mobile auto care experts state, a crankshaft consists of a number of parts, including crankpins, cranks, and rods. Other parts, like the con rod journal, main bearing journal, counterweights and oil bores, and a flywheel, are attached at the end.
After learning about the parts, let us understand about the overall performance of the crankshaft:
They Convert Linear Motion Into Rotational Motion
As we have already learned in the previous section, the engine crankshaft works by converting the reciprocal motion of the piston into rotational motion.
They work by:
- A portion of the shaft is offset to form throws. These throws are attracted to connecting rods.
- As the piston moves backward and forward, the connecting rods make the crankshaft move, delivering the rotational motion to the wheels.
Holding the Flywheel in Place
Apart from the function mentioned above, they hold the flywheel, which acts as an energy reservoir that smoothes out the pulsing effect. They help maintain the back-and-forth motion of your car. If you are facing issues with your crankshaft, then you can contact a mechanic at doorstep in Adelaide.
Driving and Linking other Engine Parts
Additionally, a crankshaft helps drive other parts of your car’s engine, including the oil and water pumps and the camshaft.
Crankshafts act as a bridge between the engine and the driveshaft and function by transmitting power in the form of rotational kinetic energy. Simply put, they connect the input and output bodies of your car’s engine.
Besides these basic functions, a versatile component called the crankshaft position sensor is used to monitor various engine parameters. They perform functions like establishing ignition timing, determining the position of the crankshaft, detecting engine RPM, and assessing relative engine speed. By performing these functions, the crankshaft sensor eliminates the necessity for manual distributor timing.
If you are looking to increase the internal CC of your engine with greater gains, then crankshaft stroke is a great way to do this! It can be achieved by boosting the throw or stroke of a crankshaft pin. Meanwhile, the size of the big-end journal must be decreased, and the centerline must be moved.
What are the Different Types of Crankshafts?
As a crucial part of the external combustion engine, they are built to wire heavy loads during engine use. As various automotives go through various usage, different crankshaft types are necessary. They are:
Fully Built
These crankshafts are made using components that can be shrink-fitted after being fabricated individually. They are generally found in most older engines where main journals, crankpins, and webs are crafted separately. Once the journals and crankpins are forged, matching holes are drilled within the webs.
In the next step, these webs are heated up, and the journals and crankpins are slid into the holes as they expand due to heat. The car mechanic Adelaide explains as they start cooling down, the holes start shrinking. It grips the components into place, preventing them from slipping once the engine is turned on.
Welded Crankshafts
When talking about the different types of crankshafts, it is essential to talk about the welded crankshafts. In these components, each element is made of webs fitted with crankpins and a portion of the main journal on each side. Based on the size of the device, the number of forgings is calculated, and they are then welded together using a welding technique called a submerged arc.
Once the welding is completed, the forgings are then stress-relieved and connected to create the final crankshaft. The welded crankshafts have some solid benefits, as mentioned by the experts; they say these units have a continuous grain flow, which allows the website to be made thinner. This feature allows the creation of shorter and more lightweight crankshafts. Although they can be expensive to manufacture, by finding a reliable home service car mechanic, you can get a better price.
Semi Built Crankshafts
The last one of the different types of crankshaft is the semi-built crankshaft. In this, the pins and crank throws are created out of a single forging. As they are built from a single forging, the grain flow of the steel follows the web all the way through the unit and down the other web. As the web is thinner and a hole is bored through, it makes the unit more lightweight than its counterparts without reducing its strength.
What is the Average Cost of Replacing a Crankshaft in a Car?
Coming to the cost to repair a crankshaft in Adelaide, the process may vary as we have already learnt that the cost varies with the types of crankpins.
In the city, crankshaft replacement can run anywhere from $300-1500, depending on the rarity of the metal you are opting for. Needless to say, a forged crankshaft will be more expensive than its counterparts, especially the steel ones.
However, if you are looking to change the crankshaft of your car, we would recommend you consult with a reputable doorstep mechanic first.
Also read: Car Alternator: Everything You Need To Know (Expert Tips)
In a nutshell
Changing a crankshaft is a time-consuming job. The engine and pistons of your vehicle need to be completely taken apart, and it takes around a day, depending on your turbo engine. This is where a car repair home service can assist you in getting your car repaired at the convenience of your home.
At ASFA Auto Care, we take pride in calling ourselves one of the best car services Adelaide. Not only do we offer you quality but also credibility and transparent doorstep facilities.
If you have identified that your vehicle is in dire need of servicing, we have got you covered. Whether you need a crankshaft or general car servicing, we are just a message or a call away.
Get in touch with our friendly team on our website or give us a call at (08)81204141 and let us help you!
