What does a crankshaft pulley do?

The crankshaft pulley is positioned on the end of the crankshaft. It transmits mechanical power and torque through the pulley system which then operates the engine's accessories (alternator, air conditioning compressor, etc.) through the use of a rubber belt or system of belts.

The crankshaft pulley is also essential in ensuring other engine components operate in unison to allow the vehicle to run smoothly. Doubling up as an internal dampener, crankshaft pulleys also reduce the risk of damage to certain engine components as they reduce the vibrations caused as the engine runs.

The car crankshaft pulley may seem like a minor part in a vehicle, but it is actually a very important part and is vital in the smooth operation of a healthy car.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer.

It is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance but has had connections with many other vehicle manufacturers throughout its history—as shareholders, part owners, and suppliers of parts and components.

How popular is Mitsubishi in the United Kingdom?

Mitsubishi celebrated 100 years of automotive manufacturing in 2017 and has created a solid position for itself in the UK market with around 350k vehicles on the roads today.

Making a mark in an SUV orientated market

The selection of Mitsubishi models does feature the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pickup, but the rest of the range is predominantly SUVs. Even the Mirage has strong SUV overtones.

And why not? They’re sturdy, versatile and roomy enough for families of all sizes, and the Outlander PHEV is perfect for company car drivers with its low fuel bills and plenty of interior space.

Outlander PHEV: The world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV

In 2013 Mitsubishi introduced the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. As a company that continues to make significant breakthroughs in driving technology, their work with renewable fuel types is establishing them as a leader in ecological systems.

The Mitsubishi Shogun: the beginnings of the SUV generation

The roots of the Shogun can be traced as far back as 1934 with a prototype for the Japanese Government, but it wasn’t until the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973 that Mitsubishi presented their first commercial prototype.

The Shogun was launched in 1982, and along with other 4x4 originals: predominantly by Land Rover, Jeep and the Toyota Land Cruiser, it helped boost the popularity of rugged go-anywhere motoring into the mainstream.

How often should a crankshaft pulley need replacing?

A crankshaft pulley can last the lifetime of your car without failing, however unexpected issues can occur which may lead to your pulley needing to be replaced. In general, crankshaft pulleys are not part of regular maintenance so shouldn’t have to be repaired or replaced often

The car crankshaft pulley may seem like a minor part in a vehicle, but it is actually a very important component and is vital in the smooth operation of a healthy car. Therefore if you experience any of the symptoms above you should have your car inspected by a mechanic.

What happens during a crankshaft pulley repair?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Check the condition of the crankshaft pulley.

• If necessary, they will replace the crankshaft pulley.

• Advise if any other related parts need to be replaced.

• Test drive the car to check everything has been fitted correctly.

What causes a crankshaft pulley to break?

When an engine has a bearing failure, this can cause issues for the crankshaft and the pulley tension. Similarly, if the belt tension is too tight or the auxiliary equipment has failed the pulley will also fail.

Most crankshaft pulleys also have a rubber element that is prone to deterioration as it is exposed to continuously changing conditions. If this wears out a replacement pulley will need to be fitted.

What are the symptoms of a failing crankshaft pulley?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Engine vibrations

• Alternator failure - flickering headlights, car struggles to start

• Rough engine idle

• Difficulty moving the steering wheel

• Difficulty changing gears due to gearbox damage

How often should you replace your crankshaft pulley?

Generally a crankshaft pulley should last the lifetime of the vehicle, however wear and tear does occur so occasionally one may need to be replaced.

What happens during a crankshaft pulley repair?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Check the condition of the crankshaft pulley.

• If necessary, they will replace the crankshaft pulley.

• Advise if any other related parts need to be replaced.

• Test drive the car to check everything has been fitted correctly.

What is the average life of a crankshaft pulley?

A crankshaft pulley can last the lifetime of your car without failing, however unexpected issues can occur which may lead to your pulley needing to be replaced. In general, crankshaft pulleys are not part of regular maintenance so shouldn’t cause you too many issues.

Can you drive with a broken crankshaft pulley?

You should avoid driving with a failing crankshaft pulley as it can cause serious and expensive damage to your engine. If the pulley breaks and the engine continues to run, serious damage could be done to the crankshaft, which would be a very extensive and costly repair. Other belts and components riding on the pulley could also break or become damaged.