Crankshaft
From the moment you start your engine, the crankshaft is hard at work behind the scenes. Never heard of it? Don’t worry, lots of drivers haven’t. But it’s one of the most important parts of your engine, quietly turning your piston’s up-and-down movements into the smooth motion that turns your wheels, propelling your car down the road.
And while crankshaft failures aren’t common, ignoring essential servicing like oil changes can push this hard-wearing component to breaking point.
At Smith’s of London, we’re here to help drivers in Croydon, Beckenham, and Coulsdon understand what the crankshaft does, why it’s critical to your engine’s health, and how good maintenance protects it for the long haul.
Crankshaft Basics: What Does It Do?
Your crankshaft lives deep within the lower section of your engine block. It’s mounted inside a housing called the crankcase, sitting just above the oil pan, where your engine’s lubricating oil collects. It’s a large, robust steel shaft designed to handle immense pressure and forces.
So what does it do? In simple terms, it converts the up-and-down motion of your engine’s pistons into rotational force. This force powers your gearbox, turns your wheels, and also drives essential engine components like the camshaft, alternator, water pump, and air conditioning system.
To help it cope with extreme conditions, the crankshaft is fitted with counterweights to reduce engine vibration and Internal oilways to circulate lubricating oil and prevent friction.
But even the most solid part of your engine depends on one key thing: clean, high-quality oil. Without it, the crankshaft is vulnerable to heat, wear, and eventual failure.
What Is the Crankshaft’s Job in an Engine?
The crankshaft is often referred to as the “backbone” of the internal combustion engine, and for good reason.
Here’s how it works:
- As fuel combusts, pistons shoot downward inside the cylinders.
- These pistons are connected to the crankshaft by connecting rods.
- The crankshaft converts the pistons’ vertical motion into rotary energy.
- This energy spins your flywheel, powers the transmission, and ultimately turns the wheels, moving your car forward.
The crankshaft also synchronises with the camshaft, ensuring precise valve timing, which is essential for efficient combustion. Through pulleys and belts, it powers auxiliary systems like your alternator (which charges your battery) and water pump (which keeps the engine cool).
This complex choreography happens thousands of times per minute… and it all starts with the crankshaft.
Potential Problems With the Crankshaft Position Sensor
While the crankshaft itself is engineered to last the lifetime of your engine, it’s not immune to problems, especially if it’s starved of the right quality or quantity of oil.
But in modern engines, it’s often not the crankshaft itself that fails, but the crankshaft position sensor, a small but vital electronic part. The crankshaft position sensor is a small electronic device located near the crankshaft. It monitors 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).
How to Tell If Your Crankshaft Sensor Is Struggling
If the crankshaft position sensor sensor stops working or sends incorrect data, the ECU can’t manage ignition or fuelling properly. The result? A car may struggle to start, stall unexpectedly, or run poorly.
Key symptoms of crankshaft sensor issues:
- Hard starting or no start at all
- Engine stalls after warming up
- Sluggish acceleration
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Unusual vibration or rough idle
If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them. A failing sensor can mimic other issues, so a professional diagnosis is essential. At Smith’s of London, we use advanced tools to identify and resolve sensor faults before they cause further damage. Call us on 020 8674 3377 for advice or to book an appointment.
Keep Your Crankshaft Running at Its Best
The best way to protect your crankshaft? Stay on top of routine maintenance. The following three practices make all the difference:
1. Regular Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and it’s vital for crankshaft health. At Smith’s of London, we always follow your vehicle’s recommended oil service schedule. Regular changes:
- Reduce friction and prevent metal wear
- Wash away harmful contaminants
- Help maintain oil pressure to protect bearings
- Prevent overheating
2. Use the Right Oil
Not all oils are created equal. We always use oil that matches your engine’s specifications, typically high-grade synthetic oil. The wrong oil can result in:
- Increased wear on crankshaft bearings
- Inadequate lubrication under high stress
3. Book Professional Servicing
Never be tempted to delay your annual service! That’s when we inspect oil quality and levels and check for leaks. This is absolutely key to maintaining your crankshaft health.
Following these maintenance steps will significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and expensive engine repairs.
Count on Us to Keep Your Car in Top Condition
At Smith’s of London, we believe prevention is better than repair. That’s why we work with drivers across Croydon, Beckenham, and Coulsdon to deliver expert engine servicing that keeps your vehicle running smoothly. Our excellent reputation is reflected in our {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} happy customers.
Whether it’s a routine oil change or diagnosing a crankshaft sensor issue, we bring the same commitment to:
- Honest, transparent pricing
- Only using genuine or premium OEM-grade parts
- A 12-month guarantee on all parts and labour
- Specialist tools and experienced technicians
(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)
Worried about engine performance or a possible sensor fault? Give us a call on 020 8674 3377 and speak to a member of our friendly, expert team. At Smith’s of London, your peace of mind is our priority. Whether it’s engine diagnostics or everyday servicing, we’re here to keep you confidently on the road.
