this is a question that goes along with my other post about my timing belt issue that I am trying to get audi to cover under the settlement...

My concern is the crankshaft sproket. My friend had a timing belt go but not because of the tensioner or belt itself but becuase the crankshaft sproket was keyed and the keyed part sheared off the sproket...is this a common problem in our cars???


My theory on this though is that I cannot crank the car by hand for the life of me...If the crankshaft sproket was sheared off the crankshaft shouldn't it free spin? And if it free spins that would mean that the crankshaft wouldn't spin therefore it wouldn't be trying to move the rods/pistons which wont move anyway...but because it wouldn't be even trying to I should be able to crank the belt by hand right?

I have never read about this happening on here and am concerned because if that is in fact the issue audi probably wont cover it because it isn't a common failure part.