Excessive engine crankshaft end-play can cause which problem in the transmission installation?

• A. Increased noise but no misalignment
• B. Misalignment causing the transmission to jump out of gear
• C. Improved alignment and smoother operation
• D. No effect on transmission performance

Answer: (B)

Excessive crankshaft end-play means the crankshaft can move axially more than intended. That extra movement lets the flywheel or flexplate and the transmission input shaft shift relative to each other as the engine runs. When the engine and transmission aren’t held in perfect alignment, the input shaft can’t stay properly meshed with the gearset. Under operating loads, this misalignment can cause the transmission to lose engagement and even jump out of gear. So the problem described is the misalignment leading to gear disengagement. It wouldn’t improve alignment or have no effect, and the issue isn’t limited to just more noise without any misalignment.