Crankshaft
Tucked deep inside your engine, the crankshaft plays a vital role in every journey you take. It might not be visible when you open the bonnet, but without it, your car simply wouldn’t move.
This hard-wearing component is built to last, but only if it’s properly maintained. Neglecting regular oil changes or delaying your annual service can put serious stress on your crankshaft, potentially leading to expensive damage.
At RS Autotechnik in Dursley, we help drivers from Bristol, Tetbury, and Gloucester avoid engine issues by providing professional, manufacturer-level care. In this guide, we explain what the crankshaft does, how the crankshaft position sensor works, and the warning signs that suggest something may be going wrong.
Your Guide to the Crankshaft
The crankshaft is a large, rotating shaft positioned near the bottom of your engine block. It’s protected by the crankcase, and the oil pan beneath it stores the lubricating oil that flows through the crankshaft’s internal oilways. The crankshaft is a sophisticated piece of engineering built to withstand huge forces.
To support this workload, the crankshaft has these key features:
- Counterweights to balance internal forces
- Oil passages (oilways) to ensure proper lubrication
- Highly polished bearings for smooth operation
Even though it’s built for durability, the crankshaft isn’t immune to wear, especially when maintenance is overlooked.
What the Crankshaft Actually Does
Its main job? Put simply, it’s to transform the up-and-down movement of your pistons into rotational motion.
This rotation powers the clutch, the gearbox, and turns your vehicle’s wheels. Not only that, but the crankshaft also drives the camshaft via a timing chain, belt, or gears and can also power essential parts, including the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor through pulleys. So, the crankshaft is a hugely important part of your engine! Without it, nothing happens under the bonnet.
Issues The Can Arise
Crankshafts are designed to last, but they rely on clean oil and regular servicing to stay in working order. If your engine has low oil levels, contaminated oil, or oil of the incorrect specification, crankshaft wear can occur, with serious consequences. Yes, you may even be looking at an engine rebuild or replacement.
However, in modern engines, it’s often not the crankshaft that fails, but the crankshaft position sensor.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is a small electronic device that monitors both the position and speed of the crankshaft. It sends real-time data to your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU uses this data to control ignition timing (when the spark plugs fire) and fuel injection (when and how much fuel is delivered).
When the sensor starts to fail, the ECU can’t run the engine properly, leading to misfires, poor fuel efficiency, or a car that won’t start at all.
That’s why this sensor, despite its size, plays a major role in engine performance and reliability.
Signs of Crankshaft or Sensor Trouble
If the crankshaft or its position sensor starts to develop issues, your vehicle may show some clear warning signs. These include:
- Trouble starting the car – The ECU may not receive the crankshaft’s position data, causing issues starting or preventing the engine from starting altogether. Sometimes the problem can appear after the car has been turned off and then attempted to restart later.
- Rough idle or power dips – A faulty sensor can disrupt ignition timing, causing misfires, vibration, or a noticeable drop in power and acceleration.
- Check engine light – A failed or intermittent sensor usually triggers the check engine warning. This is the ECU’s way of alerting you to irregular signals and should never be ignored. It could be alerting you to a variety of issues.
- Heat-related stalling – Some crankshaft sensors stop functioning when they overheat. Your car might stall and refuse to restart until the engine cools down.
- Knocking or unusual engine noise – These can be signs of physical crankshaft wear or failing bearings. If ignored, this can lead to serious engine damage.
At RS Autotechnik, we use advanced diagnostics to identify whether the issue lies with the crankshaft, the sensor, or another part of the engine. Call 01453 796345 if you would like our expert help.
Top Tips For Maintaining Your Crankshaft
Preventing crankshaft damage is simpler than you might think. These key steps will help you avoid major repairs:
1. Keep Up With Regular Oil Changes
Fresh oil ensures reduced friction, optimal engine temperatures and protection of internal surfaces. We always follow your manufacturer’s servicing schedule to maintain the health of your engine, reducing the chances of engine troubles.
2. Use Manufacturer-Specified Oil
Not all oils provide the same level of protection. We only use manufacturer-recommended oils to ensure your engine is fully protected, saving it from premature wear.
3. Schedule Annual Servicing
A full vehicle service is the key! That’s when we will take care of the oil change, as specified above. We also check for early signs of wear. Never miss your annual (or mileage-based) service.
By following these three steps, the chances of your crankshaft and engine staying reliable for many years to come are maximised.
Rely on Our Expertise for Your Car’s Care
At RS Autotechnik, we take pride in providing expert vehicle servicing, backed by real technical knowledge. We proudly serve drivers across Dursley, Bristol, Tetbury, and Gloucester, reflected in our {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} satisfied customers.
We offer high-quality maintenance and repairs backed by our 12-month parts and labour guarantee.
Why choose us?
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Specialist diagnostics and tools for modern engines
- Only OEM or manufacturer-grade components used
- Dedicated support from a knowledgeable, friendly team
(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)
Whether it’s your annual service or you’ve noticed warning signs from your engine, we’re here to help. Whatever you drive, we’ll help keep it performing at its best.
📞 Need to book a service or speak to our team? Call 01453 796345 and let RS Autotechnik take care of your vehicle with trusted local expertise.
