Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
PLASTIGAUGE Method
Plastigauge may be used to measure the clearance.
- Remove oil, grease and any other dirt from the bearings and journals.
- Cut the plastigauge the same length as the width of the bearing and place it in parallel with the journal, avoiding the oil holes.
- Install the crankshaft, bearings and caps and tighten them to the specified torques. During this operation, do not turn the crankshaft. Remove the caps. Measure the width of the plastigauge at the widest part by using the scale printed on the gauge package.
If the clearance exceeds the service limit, the bearing should be replaced or an undersize bearing should be used. When installing a new crankshaft, be sure to use standard size bearings.
If the standard clearance can not be obtained even after replacing the bearing, the journal and pin should be ground to the undersize and a bearing of the corresponding size should be installed.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.