Crankshaft, Measuring Radial Clearance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Plastigage

Procedure

NOTE:

Do not interchange used bearings

Bearing shells that are worn down to the nickel layer must be replaced.

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing caps, clean the bearing cap and pivot pin.

-- Place the Plastigage over the entire width of the pivot pin or in the bearing shells.

Plastigage must rest in center of bearing shell.

-- Mount the crankshaft bearing cap and tighten it to 60 Nm. Do not turn the crankshaft when doing this.

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing cap again.

-- Compare width of Plastigage with calibrated scale.

Radial Clearance:

New: 0.017 to 0.037 mm.
Wear limit: 0.15 mm.