Without the crankshaft, your engine wouldn’t be of much use. That's because no part of your combustion engine's operation occurs without the crankshaft putting things in motion. The crankshaft is a hardened steel shaft that runs the full length of your engine. It converts the vertical motion of the pistons into the rotational movement that moves your car, truck, van, or SUV's wheels -- which is what propels you down the road.

The term comes from the early automotive days, when drivers had to turn a crank handle to start their engines. These days, your vehicle is equipped with an electric starter that turn the engine over -- but the part name remains. The crankshaft rotates inside the engine, while pistons located in the cylinders move up and down. Those pistons are connected by rods to rod bearing journals, which are strategically staggered to move the pistons in rhythm while balancing the engine's weight. Finally, the crankshaft works in sync with the camshafts, thanks to a sprocket that helps them work in tandem.

How to Spot a Faulty Crankshaft

Even the highest quality crankshaft can go bad, especially if it's not properly lubricated. Signs of trouble include:

Buy Genuine OEM Crankshafts for Peace of Mind

If you do need to replace a failing crankshaft, it's important to get it right. After all, the parts alone can cost up to $800. Buying a new crankshaft that your manufacturer made is the smart choice, because they're the only ones that were designed to fit right into your model. Search by make, model, and year to find yours in our online auto parts catalog. Buy today and we'll get your order shipped right to your front door!