Crankshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection: Notes

Tools Required 

• J 7872  Magnetic Base Dial Indicator
• J 36660-A  Torque Angle Meter
• J 43690  Rod Bearing Clearance Checking Tool

Important: 

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

1. Clean the crankshaft in cleaning solvent. Remove all sludge or restrictions from the oil passages.
   Fig 1: Cleaning Crankshaft

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Dry the crankshaft with compressed air.
3. Clean the crankshaft bearings in cleaning solvent. Wipe the crankshaft bearings clean with a soft cloth, do not scratch the crankshaft bearing surfaces.
   Fig 2: Inspecting Bearings

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Dry the crankshaft bearings with compressed air.
5. Inspect the crankshaft for the following:
   • Crankshaft journals (1) should be smooth with no evidence of scoring or damage.
   • Deep grooves (2)
   • Scratches or uneven wear (3)
   • Pitted surfaces (4)
   • Wear or damage to the thrust journal surfaces
   • Scoring or damage to the rear seal surface
   • Restrictions to the oil passages
   • Damage to the threaded bolt holes
     Fig 3: Inspecting Crankshaft

     Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Inspect the crankshaft balancer key (1), the keyway (2), and the threaded hole (3) for damage.

   Repair or replace the crankshaft as necessary.

   Fig 4: Inspecting Crankshaft Balancer Key, Keyway And Threaded Hole

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Measure the crankpins for out-of-round and taper. Refer to ENGINE MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS  .
   Fig 5: Measuring Crankpins For Out-Of-Round And Taper

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
8. Use a suitable support to support the crankshaft on the front and rear journals.
9. Use the J 7872  in order to measure the crankshaft journal runout. The proper crankshaft journal runout is 0.025 mm maximum (0.0010 in maximum).
   Fig 6: Measuring Crankshaft Journal Runout

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Measure the crankshaft end play.

    Important: 

    In order to properly measure the crankshaft end play, the crankshaft, the crankshaft bearings, the crankshaft bearing caps, and the crankshaft bearing cap bolts must be installed into the engine block and the bolts tightened using J 36660-A.  The proper crankshaft bearing cap bolt tightening specification first pass is 20 N.m (15 lb ft), final pass is 73 degrees.

    Fig 7: Measuring Crankshaft End Play

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    1. 10.1. Firmly thrust the crankshaft first rearward, then forward. This will align the crankshaft rear bearings and the crankshaft thrust surfaces.
    2. 10.2. With the crankshaft pushed forward, insert a feeler gage between the crankshaft and the crankshaft bearing surface and then measure the clearance. The proper crankshaft end play clearance specification is 0.050-0.20 mm (0.002-0.008 in).
    3. 10.3. Turn the crankshaft to check for binding. If the crankshaft does not turn freely, then loosen the crankshaft bearing cap bolts, one crankshaft bearing cap at a time, until the tight crankshaft bearing is located.

    Burrs on the crankshaft bearing cap or engine block, foreign matter between the crankshaft bearing and the crankshaft bearing cap or the engine block, or a faulty crankshaft bearing could cause a lack of clearance between the crankshaft and crankshaft bearing.

11. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for craters or pockets. Flattened sections on the crankshaft bearing halves also indicate fatigue.
    Fig 8: Inspecting Crankshaft Bearings For Craters Or Pockets

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for excessive scoring or discoloration.
13. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for dirt or debris imbedded into the crankshaft bearing material.
    Fig 9: Inspecting Crankshaft Bearings For Excessive Scoring Or Discoloration

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Inspect the crankshaft bearings for improper seating indicated by bright, polished sections of the crankshaft bearings.
    Fig 10: Inspecting Crankshaft Bearings For Improper Seating Indicated By Bright

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    • If the lower half of the crankshaft bearing is worn or damaged, both the upper and lower halves of the crankshaft bearing should be replaced.
    • Generally, if the lower half of the crankshaft bearing is suitable for use, the upper half of the crankshaft bearing should also be suitable for use.