When it comes to automotive engines, there are four primary types of crankshafts used. The engine’s primary application determines which type of crankshaft is best suited to provide adequate performance and durability. Below we will take a look at the common types of crankshafts that are found in today’s engines and discuss the manufacturing processes used to create them.

Cast Iron Crankshafts

Cast iron crankshafts are most commonly found in ordinary passenger car engines and are favored by automobile manufacturers because they are inexpensive to produce. A cast iron crankshaft is made from molten iron or steel and simply poured into a mold. The raw casting is then rough machined so that it can be ground to its finish dimensions and then balanced. These types of crankshafts are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased new for $200 or even less. Since cast iron crankshafts contain flakes of graphite flakes, these crankshafts often have a grey visual appearance. Continue reading →

Although most mechanics and automotive machinists understand what the individual areas of a crankshaft are called, most vehicle owners do not. Because of this, it is important for those seeking repair services to learn the terminology used by automotive professionals and gain the ability to identify these terms with the areas on their crankshaft.

In the diagrams below you will find coded arrows that point to specific areas on the crankshaft. The arrows are identified by industry standard terminology used to describe the area being viewed. A brief but concise description of what this area is responsible for is available below the crankshaft diagrams. Continue reading →