How does a crankshaft work?
The crankshaft is a vital component of a car’s engine, acting as the link between the pistons and the drivetrain. Its main role is to convert the up-and-down (reciprocating) motion of the pistons into rotational motion that ultimately powers the vehicle.
This process works through connecting rods, which attach each piston to the crankshaft. As the pistons move up and down during the engine’s combustion cycle, they push on the crankshaft’s offset sections (called crankpins), causing it to rotate. This rotation is transferred to the flywheel, and from there to the transmission and wheels.
Simply put, without a properly functioning crankshaft, the engine wouldn’t be able to produce or transfer the power needed to move the vehicle.
What does a crank shaft replacement job involve?
Crankshafts are typically replaced as a complete component. Since a crankshaft is a vital part of your engine, it is not a serviceable part on its own, and the entire unit must be replaced if damaged.
There are some more advanced versions of crankshafts in modern vehicles, such as those used in engines with high-performance requirements, but in general, the process for replacement is similar.
Replacing a crankshaft is a detailed repair that requires skilled mechanics, and while it’s often done in a workshop or garage, it can be performed at your location in some cases depending on the vehicle.
The replacement job involves the following steps:
Starting the Process: The mechanic begins by removing the engine from the vehicle and securely suspending it to provide access to the crankshaft.
Careful Disassembly: Once the engine is in place, the mechanic will carefully disassemble it, removing any components blocking access to the crankshaft.
Damage Inspection: The mechanic will then inspect the engine to assess the damage and determine the best approach for replacing the crankshaft.
Crankshaft Removal: With precision, the mechanic will remove the damaged crankshaft from the engine block, ensuring no further damage occurs to surrounding components.
Installing the New Crankshaft: A new crankshaft will be installed, ensuring it’s properly aligned and securely fitted to optimize engine performance.
Reassembling the Engine: The mechanic will reassemble all parts that were removed during disassembly, ensuring everything is securely placed back.
Reinstalling the Engine: The repaired engine is carefully reinstalled back into the vehicle, with all connections properly secured.
Final Test: To wrap up, the mechanic will run tests to ensure the new crankshaft is functioning properly and the engine operates smoothly.
How do I know whether I need a crankshaft repair or replacement?
Here are some common signs that may indicate a problem with your crankshaft:
- If you hear knocking noises coming from the engine, it could be a sign that the crankshaft is worn or damaged, requiring attention.
- If the engine misfires or you notice a sudden loss of power, making it harder for your vehicle to accelerate smoothly, the crankshaft might be to blame.
- If the check engine light comes on, it may point to issues with the crankshaft or other related components that need to be inspected.
- Difficulty starting the engine or the risk of stalling, especially when the crankshaft is seriously damaged, are symptoms to watch for. If you find metal shavings in your engine oil, this is often a sign of significant wear or damage to the crankshaft.
What does a ClickMechanic crankshaft replacement quote cover?
Your crankshaft replacement quote will cover:
* The cost of the new crankshaft
* Travel to your location
* Fitting of the parts
* Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
* VAT (if applicable)
* 12-month parts and labor warranty.
Can the crankshaft be replaced by a mobile mechanic?
Due to the complicated nature of a crankshaft replacement, it is typically carried out in a garage, as there is a variety of equipment required for proper completion of the job. If your car is drivable, ClickMechanic offers free collection and delivery for bringing it to the garage!
Top Mechanics For Crankshaft Repair & Replacements
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Garage in Manchester, 12 years of experience
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ANDRE • 28th July 2025
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32 years in the industry working for some of the largest transport companies as well as main dealerships I am honest and reliable
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Garage in Margate , 15 years of experience
Hi my names Connor and I’m the owner of OP Assist. I’ve spent my entire teenage and adult life in the motor trade having worked for some fantastic organisations and honed my skills in the workshop, roadside ...
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I worked as a mobile mechanic for 5 years, taking on jobs from the smallest to the most complex ones such as changing cylinder head gaskets, timing chain kits, clutch kits and so on.. In the last two years I...
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Mobile mechanic that comes to you with fast response times to your house or place of work. We give you effective repairs, we renew vehicle parts that only need doing. We always give perfect success with our ...
TERRY • 3rd July 2025
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Mobile mechanic in St Helens, 15 years of experience
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DANNY • 24th June 2025
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we have a team of 20 years+ qualified and experienced motor mechanics, Body shop denters, panel beaters, denters etc
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I started my career at college studying”motor vehicle Engineering level 3 “ then “plant and vehicle maintenance level 2” then spent 8 years as a technician at Ford, moving on to a role at a garage that repa...
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Garage in Birmingham , 20 years of experience
Hi, my name is marcus. I am a highly qualified mechanic with over 20years experience. I am friendly, polite, reliable and efficient. Your safety is of the utmost importance . I take pride in my work and w...
BEN • 9th June 2025
Vauxhall Meriva • Additional work following previous booking
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Garage in Cupar, 20 years of experience
Over 20 years experience in independent garages including bodyshop mechanic and also fiat and kia main dealer carrying out all types of repairs and mot testing
GEORGE • 28th May 2025
Vauxhall Combo Life • Crankshaft (CKP) position sensor replacement
Garage in Macclesfield, 11 years of experience
I pride myself on providing quality repairs and completing the job to the best of my ability. I have picked up skills and different ways of working from my experience with both back street garages and Car de...
JOB • 18th May 2025
Vauxhall Corsa • Crankshaft (CKP) position sensor replacement
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Mobile mechanic in Cheltenham, 9 years of experience
About Me. I came here from Hungary where i used to work for 3 years at a Volkswagen Dealership. Before that and during these 3 years i was also working at my fathers garage because he is a qualified mechani...
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Mobile mechanic in Cardiff , 10 years of experience
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DARREN • 29th April 2025
Frequently asked questions about crankshaft repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about crankshaft repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Crankshaft Position Sensor do?
The crankshaft position sensor measures the position of the camshaft inside the cylinder head. From this information it can be derived by the engine's computer (ECU) which cylinder is firing. Together with the information of the camshaft position sensor the ECU can the adjust the fuel injection system and engine coil firing sequence accordingly, to achieve a continuously optimal combustion cycle.
How do you know there is something wrong with the Crankshaft Position Sensor?
- When the 'Check Engine' light on your dashboard is on.
- When the engine won't start or cuts out during operation.
- When the engine misfires.
- When the engine runs rough (a rough idle for example).
- When the car's fuel consumption is higher than usual.
When should you consider a Crankshaft Position Sensor replacement?
As the sensor is located inside the crankcase it is especially prone to deterioration. It can be affected by oil or the significant temperature fluctuations inside the engine. The sensor can, eventually, fail completely, meaning that the engine's ECU is not provided with the information to optimise the combustion process.
In turn this can lead to the fuel injection malfunctioning, preventing the appropriate amount of fuel to reach the engine to combust. It can lead the engine to misfire and run rough as well as cutting out or not starting at all. All leading to higher fuel consumption.
For optimal combustion cycles in the engine it is therefore important to service the crankshaft position sensor as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. Professional and timely maintenance is essential to prevent further damage of other parts of the engine. Should you experience problems with a crankshaft position sensor, then it is advisable to have it inspected and, if necessary, have the sensor replaced.
What happens during a Crankshaft Position Sensor replacement?
- The mechanic will read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the sensor.
- The mechanic will inspect the sensor and ancillaries.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the sensor.
- The mechanic will check the system and will test drive the car to ensure proper operation of the engine.
- If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.
How much does a Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement cost?
The cost of replacing a crankshaft position sensor depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having the crankshaft position sensor replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a crankshaft repair. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Crankshaft front oil seal, Crankshaft rear oil seal and/or Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £358 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £245 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £205 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £257 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £385 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £293 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £229 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £250 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £289 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £656 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £229 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £289 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a crankshaft repair, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake crankshaft work
- ALL MOTORS LTD, Kirknewton
- AR Mobile Mechanics Ltd, Shavington
- Ajrtransport Ltd, Sudbury
- Autopoint Plus, Norfolk
- Bk Auto Services, Worthing
- Day & Sons Autotech, Peterborough
- Fleet Repair And Maintenance Ltd, Chelmsford
- Go-Far Car Transport Ltd, Stonehaven
- Goodguys Garage LTD, Rawreth
- Gsw Auto Repair And Tyre Services, Welwyn Garden City
- Hampshire Tech Automotive, Andover
- I AUTOWORKS LTD, London
- Shaun's Vehicle Repairs, Stirling
- Sibley Law Automotive, Ashford
- Sjc Automotive, Kings Langley