GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • EN-45059 Torque Angle Sensor Kit
    • GE-571-B Dial Gauge

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Crankshaft End Play, Check


    Object Number: 1948727  Size: SH

    Note : Crankshaft attached with crankshaft bearing caps.

  1. Install the GE-571-B dial gauge .
  2. • Install in the holder on the front of the engine block.
    • Place the dial gauge plunger against the crankshaft and adjust.
  3. Measure the longitudinal play of the crankshaft.
  4. • Move the crankshaft in the longitudinal direction.
    • Permissible crankshaft end play: 0.100-0.202 mm (0.0039-0.0080 in)
  5. Remove the GE-571-B dial gauge .

Crankshaft Out-of-Round, Check


    Object Number: 2026852  Size: SH

    Note: Crankshaft removed.

  1. Insert the crankshaft in the engine block.
  2. Install the GE-571-B dial gauge .
  3. 2.1. Attach to the bracket on the engine block.
    2.2. Place the dial gauge plunger against the crankshaft bearing journal and adjust.
  4. Check the rotational play of the crankshaft.
  5. • Turn the crankshaft evenly.
    • Maximum permissible rotational play: 0.03 mm (0.118 in).
  6. Remove the GE-571-B dial gauge .

Check Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (With Plastigage)


    Object Number: 1936797  Size: SH

    Note: 

       • Crankshaft removed.
       • Do not rotate the crankshaft.

  1. Lay on Plastigage. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers for the recommended plastigage.
  2. Lay out Plastigage (flexible plastic thread) around the entire width of the con-rod bearing journal (arrow).

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

    Note: 

       • Note the correct tightening sequence.
       • The bolts can be reused for checking the crankshaft bearing play.

  3. Install the crankshaft bearing cap. Tighten the 2 crankshaft bearing cap bolts in 3 passes. Use the EN-45059 torque angle sensor kit :
  4. • First pass to  50 N·m (37 lb ft)
    • Second pass to  45 degrees
    • Third pass to  15 degrees
  5. Remove the 2 crankshaft bearing cap bolts.

  6. Object Number: 2026854  Size: SH

    Note: When reading the value, do not confuse millimeters and inches on the measuring scale.

  7. Measure the crankshaft bearing play.
  8. • Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread (arrow) to the measuring scale.
    • Permissible crankshaft bearing play: 0.005-0.059 mm (0.0002-0.0023 in).

Check Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (With Micrometer Gauge Internal Measuring Device)

    Note: 

       • Note the correct tightening sequence.
       • The bolts can be reused for checking the crankshaft bearing play.

  1. Install the crankshaft bearing cap with the crankshaft bearing clips to the cylinder block.
  2. Tighten the 2 crankshaft bearing cap bolts in 3 passes. Use the EN-45059 torque angle sensor kit :

    1.1. First pass to  50 N·m (37 lb ft)
    1.2. Second pass to  45 degrees
    1.3. Third pass to  15 degrees

    Object Number: 2026849  Size: SH
  3. Install the inner plunger and calibrate with the micrometer gauge (1).

  4. Object Number: 2026850  Size: SH
  5. Measure the crankshaft bearing diameter at 3 points.
  6. Measure at points A, B and C with the internal measuring device.

    Calculate the average crankshaft bearing diameter.

    Formula: A + B + C /3.


    Object Number: 1935590  Size: SH
  7. Measure the crankshaft bearing journal diameter at 2 points.
  8. Measure at points I and II with the micrometer gauge.

  9. Calculate the average crankshaft bearing journal diameter.
  10. Formula: I + II/2.

  11. Determine the crankshaft bearing play.
  12. Calculation formula: average crankshaft bearing diameter minus average crankshaft bearing journal diameter.

  13. Nominal-Actual comparison.
  14. Permissible crankshaft bearing play: 0.005-0.059 mm (0.0002-0.0023 in).