Crankshaft, Measuring Radial Clearance

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

• Plastigage

Procedure 

• Use old bolts for the radial clearance measurement.
• Replace any worn bearing shells

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing cap. Refer to CRANKSHAFT, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

-- 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 center of bearing shell.

-- Mount 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 AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the crankshaft bearing 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.

-- Replace the bolts for the final assembly.