Crankshaft: Service and Repair

CHECKING CRANKSHAFT BEARING CLEARANCE





The "Plastigage" method is a simple way of checking bearing clearance.

Plastigage is available in three different sizes for measuring ranges from 0.025 to 0.23 mm.

Type Color Measuring Range
PG-1 green 0.025 to 0.075 mm
PR-1 red 0.05 to 0.15 mm
PB-1 blue 0.10 to 0.23 mm



Checking Radial Clearance

1. Remove crankcase lower section.
2. Remove oil from bearing shell and bearing journal~
3. Place Plastigage having width of bearing on crankshaft journal in axial direction. Install crankcase lower section carefully and tighten to specified torque.

Note: Do not turn crankshaft while measuring.

4. Remove crankcase lower section. Read width of flattened Plastigage from measuring scale. Corresponding value on measuring scale equals the bearing clearance.

Play of new bearings: 0.020 to 0.098 mm
Wear limit: 0.16 mm


Checking Axial Clearance





Use Special Tool VW 387 to check axial clearance.

Play of new bearings: 0.110 to 0.312 mm
Wear limit: 0.40 mm