The crankshaft is the backbone of the engine. It is powered by the pistons and converts their linear motion into rotational motion, driving the transmission and the camshaft.
If your crankshaft fails, you’ll need to repair or replace it immediately. You can expect costs for replacing a crankshaft to run as high as $3,000 or more, including parts and labor. In some cases, if a very small fix is needed, you can repair the crankshaft rather than replace it. Repairs cost $270, on average, including parts and labor.
Keep reading to learn what the crankshaft in your vehicle does, the factors that affect the price of repair or replacement, and options for covering the cost.
Key Points
• Repairing a crankshaft averages around $270, while replacing it can cost up to $2,500, with labor being a significant portion of the expense.
• Mechanic labor rates range from $75 to $130 per hour, and replacing a crankshaft can take up to 16 hours.
• Crankshaft issues often stem from wear and tear or damage resulting from other engine problems, such as misfiring cylinders.
• Indicators that your crankshaft may need attention include engine knocking sounds, the check engine light turning on, or difficulty starting the vehicle.
• While paying with cash avoids interest and fees, if that’s not feasible, options like personal loans or auto loan refinancing can help cover the high costs of crankshaft repair or replacement.
Crankshaft Repair and Replacement Cost Breakdown
The cost of repairing or replacing a crankshaft will largely depend on two factors: labor and parts. Generally, you can expect to pay $75 to $130 per hour for an auto mechanic, with rates varying depending on where you live. For example, a mechanic in a big city will likely charge more than one in a rural town.
Replacing a crankshaft is not an easy fix and can take up to 16 hours or more. On the high end, you could be looking at nearly $2,000 in labor costs alone. Repairs, on the other hand, may take much less time, which significantly reduces the cost.
The remainder of your expenses will largely be related to cost of parts. If you have a relatively common make and model of vehicle, you might be able to find a replacement crankshaft for as little as $100. However, the cost of parts for high-performance and luxury vehicles could run you as much as $1,000. On average, you’re likely to pay somewhere in the middle, around $500 for parts.
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Lowering the Cost of Crankshaft Replacement
Replacing your crankshaft is an expensive fix, but there are ways you can work to reduce costs. First, gather information on average costs in your area. You may want to use online tools, like Kelley Blue Book’s Repair Pricing tool or the Consumer Report’s Car Repair Estimate, to give you an idea of the price range you can expect in your area for a given repair.
With that information handy, you can contact mechanics and ask for a price estimate from them. Compare their estimates to the average cost you’ve found to determine where you are getting a fair price.
If you’re unfamiliar with a mechanic, look up reviews online to see how other customers have fared with them. You may also want to look them up on the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve received any complaints.
Another way to reduce costs is to purchase the parts yourself and take them to the mechanic. Aftermarket parts may be available for your vehicle, as well, so make sure to search for those, too.
What Is a Crankshaft?
The crankshaft is the part of the engine that turns the vertical motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which helps to turn the wheels of your car. When gas and air combust in the cylinder, the combustion drives the piston down. The reciprocating motion of the pistons moving up and down turns the crankshaft. It then delivers that power to the transmission, which directs the power to the wheels.
Why Do Crankshafts Fail?
Crankshafts can fail due to a combination of mechanical stress, poor maintenance, and manufacturing defects. As the component responsible for converting linear piston motion into rotational motion, it endures immense pressure and force. Over time, these forces can cause cracks, wear, or even complete breakage. Common causes of crankshaft failure include:
• Lack of lubrication leading to excessive friction and heat
• Overloading or high-performance stress beyond engine design limits
• Improper engine assembly or alignment
• Fatigue from prolonged use or repeated stress cycles
• Manufacturing defects such as poor casting or surface flaws
Proper engine care, routine maintenance, and using high-quality engine oil can help prevent crankshaft damage.
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Signs of a Bad Crankshaft
A failing crankshaft can cause a variety of engine performance issues, often signaling deeper mechanical problems. Since it plays a vital role in engine operation, early detection is key to avoiding severe damage. Common signs of a bad crankshaft include:
• Knocking or thudding noises from the engine
• Low oil pressure, often due to worn bearings
• Engine misfires or stalling
• Metal shavings in the oil, indicating wear
• Difficulty starting the engine or it won’t start at all
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your engine inspected by a professional mechanic right away.
Ways to Cover Crankshaft Repair and Replacement Costs
With the price of a crankshaft replacement topping $3,000 in some cases, it is important to strategize how to cover the expense.
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Cash
Cash is the cheapest way to cover the cost, as it doesn’t involve fees or interest. In fact, you may consider putting money in a savings account specifically for auto repairs. However, if you don’t have enough cash on hand, you may consider financing the expense.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are one option worth considering. However, they work best when you are able to pay off your balance each month. If you carry a balance, you’ll owe interest, often to the tune of 20% or more. Continue carrying a balance, and your interest will compound. In other words, you’ll start to owe interest on your interest, which can send you deeper into debt.
Personal Loan
Personal loans are another option, and they may offer better interest rates than credit cards. A personal loan allows individuals to borrow a lump sum that can be used for almost any reason, including car repairs. In exchange, you agree to pay back the loan in regular monthly installments with interest.
Auto Loan Refinance
Finally, you could consider refinancing your auto loan. When you refinance your loan, you pay off your old loan with a new one, preferably with a lower interest rate. A lower rate can help you save money over the life of the loan, and you can use these savings toward auto repair. You could also consider a cash-out auto refinance, which lets you replace your current auto loan with a new one for more than you owe — and take the difference in cash. You can then use the extra cash to pay for your crankshaft repair.
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The Takeaway
The crankshaft sits at the bottom of the motor and helps with the rotational motion that drives the wheels. Signs you may need your crankshaft replaced or repaired include hearing knocking sounds coming from the engine, low oil pressure, or engine misfires.
Replacing a crankshaft can be as much as $3,000, with most of that being spent on labor. Options for paying for it include using cash, putting it on a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or choosing to refinance your car loan.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
FAQ
Can I continue driving my vehicle with a damaged crankshaft?
No, you should not continue driving your vehicle with a damaged crankshaft. If it breaks, your engine may cease working entirely, and it may cause damage to surrounding parts. This can increase the total cost of repair.
Can a crankshaft be repaired, or does it need to be replaced entirely?
Repairing a crankshaft can be complicated, but in some cases there are small repairs that can be done to get your crankshaft working again.
How long does it take to repair or replace a crankshaft?
In general, you can expect an easy crankshaft repair to take a couple of hours, while replacing the part entirely will likely take eight to 16 hours.
Does the make and model of the vehicle affect the cost of crankshaft repair or replacement?
Yes, the make and model of your vehicle will affect the cost of crankshaft repair or replacement. Different cars require different parts that may be more or less complicated to replace, which can affect labor time and cost.
Can I attempt to repair the crankshaft myself to save money?
Repairing a crankshaft yourself can save money, but it’s risky without proper tools and experience. Crankshafts are precision components, and mistakes can lead to engine failure. If you’re skilled in engine repair and follow exact specifications, it’s possible — but for most people, professional repair or replacement is the safer option.
Photo credit: iStock/dragana991
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