Crankshaft
Every time you take a drive, your engine relies on a critical part you’ve probably never thought about: the crankshaft. It’s tough, reliable, and absolutely essential. But without regular maintenance and the right oil, even this engine workhorse can run into serious trouble.
At Shires Garage Auto Services, we help drivers across Langport and Taunton take care of their vehicles with expert servicing and attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll explain what the crankshaft does, the role of the crankshaft position sensor, and how being on the ball with your annual service can help you avoid expensive engine repairs.
The Crankshaft – Basics Explained
So… what is a crankshaft, anyway? It’s a large, precisely engineered shaft located in the lower part of your engine block. It’s housed inside the crankcase, with the oil pan below, holding the oil that keeps it lubricated.
The crankshaft’s job is to convert the vertical (up-and-down) motion of the pistons into rotational energy. That rotation powers everything from your transmission to the alternator, water pump, and more.
To cope with the massive stresses inside your engine, the crankshaft is built with:
- Counterweights that reduce vibration
- Oil passages (called oilways) that carry lubricant through the shaft
- Smooth surfaces to ensure durability and stability
However, even with this high-level engineering, the crankshaft still depends on one thing: clean, high-quality engine oil.
The Essential Role of the Crankshaft
Here’s a closer look at how the crankshaft fits into your engine’s operation:
- When fuel combusts, it pushes the pistons downward.
- These pistons are linked to the crankshaft via connecting rods.
- The crankshaft rotates with each piston stroke, creating a rotary motion.
- This rotary energy is passed through the flywheel, clutch, and gearbox, ultimately spinning your wheels.
- It also drives components like the camshaft, which ensures valves open and close at the correct time.
The crankshaft is constantly working while your engine runs at thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM). Without proper lubrication, even a small issue can turn into severe damage.
Common Crankshaft and Sensor Faults
Under normal conditions, the crankshaft is built to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Damage is most likely to occur if annual servicing is skipped. Neglecting this key milestone can leave you with major problems that are simply not worth taking the risk on.
In modern engines, the crankshaft position sensor is often more likely to fail than the crankshaft itself.
Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor is a small electronic device mounted near the crankshaft. Its job is to monitor the shaft’s rotation and position in real time.
This information is constantly fed to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which uses it to control Ignition timing (when the spark plugs fire) and Fuel injection (when and how much fuel is injected into each cylinder).
If the sensor fails or starts to misread data, your engine can’t run correctly, if at all. This makes the crankshaft position sensor a critical component.
Warning Signs of Crankshaft or Sensor Trouble
Both crankshaft and sensor faults can cause noticeable symptoms. Watch for these red flags:
- Starting issues – If the sensor isn’t sending the position and rotation data to the ECU during startup, the engine may fail to start. When your engine is already running, the system can estimate the crankshaft’s position using previously gathered data, so you might not notice any problems even if the check engine light isn’t illuminated. The real challenge surfaces later – after you’ve turned off your vehicle and attempted to restart it- when these issues become apparent.
- Intermittent stalling – This can happen when the sensor is affected by high engine temperatures. The engine may stall and only restart after it has cooled down.
- Loss of performance – If the ECU receives irregular information, it may not fire the spark plugs or activate the fuel injectors at the right time, which can result in poor acceleration, rough idle, or low power can result from incorrect ignition or fuelling.
- Check Engine Light – A faulty crankshaft sensor can trigger the ‘check engine’ warning light.
- Strange noises or vibrations – These could be signs of deeper crankshaft problems and should be checked immediately.
Some of these symptoms can mimic other issues, so accurate diagnostics are crucial. At Shires Garage, we use specialist tools to test sensors, run live data checks, and pinpoint the real cause of any issue.
How to Maintain Your Crankshaft for Top Performance
Taking care of your crankshaft doesn’t require complicated maintenance. In fact, three simple steps go a long way in protecting this essential component:
1. Stick to Your Oil Change Schedule
Regular oil changes are the most important step in crankshaft protection. At Shires Garage, we follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and use oil that matches your engine’s needs. Fresh oil:
- Reduces friction and heat between moving parts
- Removes debris and contaminants
- Prevents corrosion on sensitive surfaces
2. Use the Correct Oil
At Shires Garage, we always use manufacturer-approved oil. Using the wrong oil grade or poor-quality lubricant can:
- Lead to oil breakdown under heat
- Fail to protect bearings and crank surfaces
- Cause oil pressure issues
3. Book Routine Professional Servicing
If you’re unsure which oil to use, don’t worry! We will take care of it for you at your annual service. That’s why it’s so important never to skip your service. This is when your car’s important components get the attention they need.
These checks catch problems early and help avoid bigger, costlier issues down the road.
Choose Our Experts for Comprehensive Car Care
At Shires Garage Auto Services, we understand how important it is to keep your engine, and your vehicle, running smoothly. Our preventative approach and friendly service have earned us a {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} happy customers.
From crankshaft diagnostics to routine maintenance, we offer:
- A 12-month guarantee on all parts and labour
- Genuine or premium OEM-grade parts
- Transparent pricing and honest advice
- A trusted team serving Langport, Taunton, and the surrounding area
(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 you’re due for a service or experiencing engine trouble, we’re here to help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
Have questions or want to book a service? Call 01458 250570 and speak to our expert team today. We’ll keep your engine turning, and your car running reliably, for the miles ahead.
