Check Crankshaft Bearing Clearance (With Plastigage)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Plastigage On Bearing Journal

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

Crankshaft removed.
Do not rotate the crankshaft.

Lay out plastigage.
Lay out plastigage (flexible plastic thread) around the entire width of the crankshaft bearing journal (1).

Fig 2: Crankshaft Bearing Cap Tie Plate

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

The bolts can be reused for checking the crankshaft bearing play.

Install the 4 lower crankshaft bearings (3) and the lower crankshaft thrust bearing (4).
Install the crankshaft bearing cap tie plate (2).
Install the 10 inner crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts (1).

Fig 3: Inner Crankshaft Bearing Cap Tie Plate Bolts Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

Tighten the 10 inner crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts in a sequence as shown and in the following order:
1. Tighten the inner crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
2. Tighten the inner crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts an additional 60°. Use EN-470-B wrench.
3. Tighten the inner crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts an additional 15°. Use EN-470-B wrench.
Remove the crankshaft bearing cap tie plate bolts and the crankshaft bearing cap tie plate.

Fig 4: Measuring Crankshaft Bearing Play Using Measuring Scale

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

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

Measure the crankshaft bearing play.
- Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread (arrow) to the measuring scale (1).
- The crankshaft bearing play should be 0.007-0.031 mm (0.00028-0.00122 in).