Flex Plate: Service and Repair

Removal
1. Open the engine compartment and fit paint protection sheets.
2. Open the driver's door, or both doors if necessary, to allow the side glass to drop. Ensure that the doors remain open until after the battery has been disconnected.





3. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Remove the battery cover,
4. Remove the Engine Covers, Air Intake Tube, Catalytic Converters and the Front Muffler. Drain the transmission fluid and remove the transmission for access.





5. Remove the drive plate.
Prevent the drive plate from rotating by use of a small wedge in the ring gear.
Remove the bolts which secure the drive plate to the crankshaft.
Remove the drive plate.
6. Clean the crankshaft mating face and any other components which are to be installed.

Installation
1. The drive plate and securing bolts are different for 99MY compared to previous engines. The differences are as follows:
Longer bolts.
Spaceing plate welded to the drive plate on the crankshaft mating face.
Smaller locating hole for stepped dowel.
Plastic plug identifier (disposable) on new service part.





2. Install the drive plate.
Install and align the drive plate to the crankshaft.
Install, but not tighten, the bolts which secure the drive plate to the crankshaft.
Prevent the drive plate from rotating by use of a small wedge in the ring gear.





3. Tighten the securing bolts in two stages and in the order shown.
STAGE ONE tighten to 14 - 16 Nm.





4. Tighten the securing bolts in two stages and in the order shown.
STAGE TWO tighten to 95 - 125 Nm.
5. Install the Transmission, Catalytic Converters and the Front Muffler, Air Intake Tube and Engine Covers. Refill the transmission with new fluid.
6. Remove the paint protection sheets and close the engine compartment cover.
7. Connect the battery and install the battery cover.
Reset the side glass memory.