Crankshaft Main Bearing

Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal Clearance

NOTE: Verify that the following stages are followed exactly. The crankshaft must be to specification.





NOTE: The bearing shells and journals must be free from engine oil and dirt.

NOTE: The measuring point should be near to the center.





1. Position on a length of Plastigage on the bearing journal.
- Insert the associated bearing shells, without lubrication, into the cylinder block.
- Insert the crankshaft, without lubrication, into the cylinder block.
- Position a strip of Plastigage, equal to the width of the bearing, on the bearing journal.

Vehicles with 2.0L engine

2. NOTE: Measure each bearing separately.

Carry out the measurement.
- One bearing cap at a time should be worked on; install the bearing cap of the bearing position to be measured and tighten it to the specified torque.

NOTE: Do not hit the bearing cap.

Remove the bearing cap.

Vehicles with 2.5L engine

3. NOTE: Measure all the bearings at the same time.

Carry out the measurement.
- Install the lower crankcase with bearing shells following the tightening specification.

NOTE: Do not hit the lower crankcase.

- Install the lower crankcase with bearing shells following the tightening specification.





All Vehicles

4. Read off the measurement.
- Compare the length of plastigage with the Plastigage scale.
- The value that is read off is the bearing clearance.
- If the measurement is out of the specified range, change the bearing shells and repeat the measurement.