Crankshaft, Measuring Radial Clearance

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Plastigauge^®

Procedure 

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing cap and clean the bearing cap and pin.

-- Place the Plastigauge^® over the entire bearing width on the pin or in the bearing shells.

• Plastigauge^® must rest in the center of the bearing shell.

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

Fig 1: Crankshaft Tightening Sequence

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing cap again.

-- Compare the width of Plastigauge^® with the measuring scale.

Radial clearance: 

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