Cracked Flex Plate

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I have just had to replace a cracked flex plate in my 2002 Prado Diesel. This is the second time this has happened in just over two years. The first time it was replaced by Toyota under their extended warranty but I've had to foot the bill this time.

There were 130,000kms on the clock when the first one cracked and 180,000kms now so this one has only lasted 50,000kms.

From discussions I've had with various people and the dealers who did the work for me I get the impression that cracked flex plates are quite rare and I'm trying to determine why the second one had to be replaced so soon after it was installed.

We have travelled on quite a lot of dirt roads but don't go rock hopping etc. We do tow an Ultimate Offroad Camper which falls well within the recommended maxumum towing capacity of the Prado.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[zookcubr Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zookcubr]

Muzzie,

whats a flex plate?
Is this a diesel thingy??

[damonat Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close damonat]

flex plates are the equivilant of a flywheel.
with an auto, you have a flex plate that bolts to the crank of the engine,
and the torque converter bolts to the flex plate.
they are rare to fail.
posible things that induce a broken plate can be;
uneven engine bolt (not square to input of auto box),
wear in the oil pump, or input of auto.
the last, could be the winner.
either way, you are very unlucky.