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For 1990-2009 cars only

Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection Crankshaft and Bearing Inspect

Tools Required

J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set

Inspection Procedure

Important: Use care when handling the crankshaft. Avoid damage to the bearing surfaces.


    Object Number: 236168  Size: SH

    Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

  1. Clean the crankshaft with solvent.
  2. Thoroughly clean all oil passages and inspect for restrictions or burrs.
  3. Dry the crankshaft with compressed air.
  4. Perform a visual inspection of the crankshaft for damage.

  5. Object Number: 156170  Size: SH
  6. Inspect the crankshaft journals for wear (1).
  7. Journals should be smooth with no signs of scoring, wear, or damage.

  8. Inspect the crankshaft journals for grooves or scoring (2).
  9. Inspect the crankshaft journals for scratches or wear (3).
  10. Inspect the crankshaft journals for pitting or imbedded bearing material (4).

  11. Object Number: 35207  Size: SH
  12. Measure the crankshaft journals for the following. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  13. • Out-of-round
    • Taper

    Object Number: 236238  Size: SH
  14. Measure the crankshaft runout. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  15. Using wooden V blocks, support the crankshaft on the front and rear journals.

  16. Use the J 7872 in order to measure the crankshaft runout at the front and rear intermediate journals.
  17. Use the J 7872 in order to measure the runout of the crankshaft rear flange.
  18. Replace the crankshaft if the measurements are not within specifications.

Crankshaft Main Bearing Inspection


    Object Number: 52051  Size: SH
  1. Inspect crankshaft bearings for craters or pockets. Flattened sections on the bearing halves also indicate fatigue.

  2. Object Number: 52053  Size: SH
  3. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for excessive scoring or discoloration.
  4. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for dirt or debris imbedded into the bearing material.

  5. Object Number: 52056  Size: SH
  6. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for improper seating indicated by bright, polished sections of the bearing.
  7. If the lower half of the bearing is worn or damaged, both upper and lower halves should be replaced.

    Generally, if the lower half is suitable for use, the upper half should also be suitable for use.

Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection Bearing Selection

Crankshaft Main Bearing Selection


    Object Number: 236168  Size: SH

    Important: If crankshaft bearing failure is due to other than normal wear, investigate the cause. Inspect the crankshaft or connecting rod bearing bores.

  1. Inspect the connecting rod bearing bores or crankshaft main bearing bores using the following procedure:
  2. 1.1. Tighten the bearing cap to specification.
    1.2. Measure the bearing bore for taper and out-of-round.
    1.3. No taper or out-of-round should exist.

    Object Number: 261754  Size: SH
  3. Install the original crankshaft main bearing inserts on to the cylinder block and the main bearing caps.
  4. Carefully place the crankshaft on to the bearing inserts in the cylinder block.
  5. Lay a piece of gaging plastic (1) across each crankshaft main journal.
  6. Important: Do not turn the crankshaft while measuring the bearing clearance.

  7. Carefully place the main bearing caps on to the cylinder block.

  8. Object Number: 261688  Size: SH
  9. Install the 10 main bearing cap bolts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft main bearing cap bolts in the sequence shown, use three progressive steps to obtain 54 N·m (39 lb ft).

  11. After reaching the proper torque, remove the ten crankshaft main bearing cap bolts.

  12. Object Number: 236172  Size: SH
  13. Measure the gaging plastic at its widest point.
  14. Standard Oil Clearance:
    0.020-0.040 mm (0.0008-0.0016 in)

    Maximum Oil Clearance:
    0.060 mm (0.0023 in)


    Object Number: 261720  Size: SH
  15. If using a standard bearing, replace it with one having the same color. If the color of the bearing cannot be determined, select the correct bearing by adding together the numbers imprinted on the cylinder block and crankshaft. Refer to bearing selection table in Engine Mechanical Specifications .