Automatic Transmission Flywheel Covers & Flexplate Covers

Having a Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford transmission inspection cover for your specific application protects the spinning assembly of the clutch and flywheel or torque converter and flexplate from road debris. Without a cover, if the vehicle runs over a plastic bag, or a rock is kicked up from the road into the flywheel area, it can cause damage to the components. The cover also can help reduce water from splashing and dust and dirt from entering the area, which can interfere with the components or damage fluid seals.

Without a flywheel / flexplate cover, if you or someone else needs to inspect underneath the vehicle with the engine running, there is a danger of getting a limb caught in the spinning components or debris being slung at you. The shield helps protect you from injury caused by these and other hazards.

A flywheel is a thick and heavy disc-shaped automotive engine component on manual transmission applications. It has a ring gear with teeth for the starter to engage and crank the engine over. It also has a mating surface for the clutch disc to grab (aided by the clutch pressure plate) in order for the engine power to transfer to the transmission. It is also manufactured with threaded boltholes for the clutch pressure plate to mount. A flywheel or flexplate is connected to the engine at the rear of the crankshaft. A flexplate is a thin disc-shaped automotive engine component for automatic transmissions. In most applications (except some Mopar and others), it also has the outer ring gear with teeth for the starter to engage and crank the engine over. Boltholes are drilled that allow it to connect to the automatic transmission torque converter.

The flywheel (or flexplate) is covered around the sides and top by the transmission bellhousing. On most transmissions, the bottom is accessible by removing the flywheel / flexplate cover. This cover bolts to either the transmission bellhousing and / or the bottom of the rear of the engine.

A cover installed over a flywheel or flexplate prevents debris from the road from being pulled into the spinning clutch or torque converter, causing damage. For example, running over a plastic bag or a rock kicking up under the car will cause contact, which could potentially cause major damage. Having a transmission inspection cover also helps protect a mechanic from injury when doing inspections under the vehicle while the engine is running (such as listening for sounds that are not normal). The automatic or manual transmission flywheel cover plate protects both people and the drivetrain components from damage or injury.

Buying an automatic or manual transmission inspection cover is a worthwhile investment. If your vehicle doesn't have a flexplate / flywheel cover plate, or the one currently on your vehicle is damaged, it is highly recommended to add one. Flexplate and flywheel covers provide protection for the spinning parts between the engine as well as protection to you or others from possible injury. Improve and complete your next transmission project with a custom flexplate cover from JEGS.