Crankshaft Radial Clearance, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 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®

Conditions

Do not rotate the crankshaft when checking the radial clearance.

Test Sequence

NOTE:

Do not interchange used bearing shells.

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

-- Remove the main bearing cap and clean the cap and journal.

-- Place the Plastigage® over the entire width of the bearing journal or into bearing shell.

The Plastigage® must rest in the center of the bearing shell.

-- Position the main bearing cap and tighten the bolts to 60 Nm. Do not rotate the crankshaft when doing so.

-- Remove the main bearing cap bolts and cap again.

-- Compare the width of the Plastigage® with the measuring scale.

Radial clearance:

New: 0.017 to 0.037 mm

Wear limit: 0.15 mm