Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Using J 43690 and J 43690-100

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J 43690: tool and J 43690-100: kit have been developed as a more accurate method to measure connecting rod bearing clearances. The instructions below provide an overview of tool set and usage. For more detailed information, refer to the tool instruction sheets as supplied by the tool manufacturer.

Fig 1: Identifying Rod Bearing Clearance Checking Tool

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

J 43690: tool includes:
- J 43690-20 Swivel Base (1)
- J 43690-19 Dial Indicator (2)
- J 43690-2 Base (3)
- J 43690-5,-6 Handle (4)
- J 43690-10,-11 Foot (5)
- 280307 Screw (6)
- J 43690-1 Pivot Arm Assembly (7)
- J 43690-3,-7,-8 Screws (8)
- 280319 Screw (9)
- 280311 Screw (10)
- J 43690-17,-18 Adapter (11)
- 280310 Pin (12)

Fig 2: Identifying Rod Bearing Clearance Tool - Adapter Kit

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

J 43690-100: kit Rod Bearing Checking Tool - Adapter Kit includes:
- J 43690-104 Spacer (1)
- J 43690-105 Retainer Plate (2)
- 505478 Bolt (3)
- 511341 Bolt (4)
- J 43690-106 Retainer Plate (5)
- J 43690-107 Cap (6)
- J 43690-102 Foot (7)
- J 43690-101 Pivot Arm Assembly (8)
- J 43690-103 Adapter (9)
- 505439 Adapter (10)

NOTE: The crankshaft must be secure with no movement or rotation in order to obtain an accurate reading.

Rotate the crankshaft until the journal/connecting rod to be measured is in the 12 o'clock position.
Remove the crankshaft main bearing cap bolts.
Remove the crankshaft main lower bearing cap.
Insert a piece of paper stock onto the crankshaft journal.

CAUTION: In order to prevent the possibility of cylinder block or crankshaft bearing cap damage, the crankshaft bearing caps are tapped into the cylinder block cavity using a brass, lead, or a leather mallet before the attaching bolts are installed. Do not use attaching bolts to pull the crankshaft bearing caps into the seats. Failure to use this process may damage a cylinder block or a bearing cap.

CAUTION: This bolt is designed to permanently stretch when tightened, and therefore MUST be replaced anytime it is removed. The correct part number fastener must be used to replace this type of fastener. Do not use a bolt that is stronger in this application. If the correct bolt is not used, the parts will not be tightened correctly. The system or the components may be damaged.

Install the crankshaft main bearing cap and bolts. Start the crankshaft main bearing cap bolts by hand. Ensure the bottom of the crankshaft main bearing cap is parallel to the bottom of the channel.
- Tighten the crankshaft main bearing cap bolts in equal increments. Do not completely tighten one bolt at a time to prevent the cap from being cocked.
- Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft) to fully seat the crankshaft main bearing caps. Loosen the bolts 360 degrees counterclockwise.
- Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft), then 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Use J 45059: meter to tighten the bolts to 77 degrees.
Install the following:
- J 43690-101 (8)
- J 43690-5 (4)
- J 43690-2 (3)
- J 43690-7 (8)
- 280310 (12)
- J 43690-17 (11)

Fig 3: View Of Swivel Base & Dial Indicator

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the swivel base (1) and dial indicator (2).
Adjust per the manufacturers instructions and measure the connecting rod bearing clearance. The connecting rod bearing clearance should be between 0.0127-0.0660 mm (0.0005-0.0026 in).