Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SA9179NE Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set

NOTE: Use care when handling the crankshaft.
Avoid damage to the bearing surfaces or the lobes of the crankshaft position reluctor ring. Damage to the teeth of the crankshaft position reluctor ring may effect OBD II system performance.

Clean crankshaft with solvent.
Thoroughly clean all oil passages and inspect for restrictions or burrs.
CAUTION: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES IN ORDER TO AVOID EYE DAMAGE.

Fig 1: Cleaning Crankshaft With Solvent
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Dry crankshaft with compressed air.
IMPORTANT: Reluctor ring teeth should not have imperfections on the rising or falling edges.

IMPORTANT: Imperfections of the reluctor ring teeth may effect OBD II system performance.
Perform a visual inspection of the crankshaft for damage.
Inspect crankshaft journals for wear.
NOTE: Journals should be smooth with no signs of scoring, wear, or damage.
Inspect crankshaft journals for grooves or scoring.
Inspect crankshaft journals for scratches or wear.
Inspect the crankshaft journals for pitting or imbedded bearing material.
Measure crankshaft journals for out-of-round.
Measure crankshaft journals for taper.

Fig 2: Inspecting The Crankshaft Journals
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Measuring Crankshaft Journals
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Measure crankshaft runout. Using wooden V blocks, support the crankshaft on the front and rear journals.
Use Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set SA9179NE to measure the crankshaft runout at the front and rear intermediate journals.
Use a dial indicator to measure the runout of the crankshaft rear flange.
Replace or repair the crankshaft if the measurements are not within specifications.

Fig 4: Using Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect crankshaft bearings for craters or pockets. Flattened sections on the bearing halves also indicate fatigue.

Fig 5: Inspecting Crankshaft Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the crankshaft bearings for excessive scoring or discoloration.
Inspect the crankshaft bearings for dirt or debris imbedded into the bearing material.

Fig 6: Inspecting The Crankshaft Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: If the lower half of the bearing is worn or damaged, both upper and lower halves should be replaced.
Inspect the crankshaft bearings for improper seating indicated by bright, polished sections of the bearing.

Fig 7: Inspecting The Crankshaft Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.