Crankshaft, Measuring Radial Clearance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. 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 cap and clean the bearing cap and pin.

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

Plastigage must rest in the center of the bearing shell.

-- Position the crankshaft bearing cap and tighten with the old bolts -1 through 10- (refer to Figure). Do not turn the crankshaft while doing so.

Fig 1: Bearing Caps Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Ignore the bolts -A arrows-.

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing cap again.

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

Radial clearance:

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