Crankshafts & Parts

Buyer's Guide to Mopar® Crankshafts

What Mopar® Crankshafts Do

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.

How Mopar® Crankshafts Work

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:

• Low oil pressure levels
• Your engine makes knocking sounds
• Difficulty starting your vehicle
• Intermittent stalling
• Rough engine idling
• Worsening fuel efficiency
• A seized engine
• The ""Check Engine"" light comes on -- though this is a generic alert that requires further investigation to diagnose the cause

Buy Genuine Mopar® Crankshafts for Peace of Mind

If you do need to replace a failing crankshaft, it's important to get it right. 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 vehicle. Search by make, model, and year to find yours in our online auto parts catalogue.