GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 1.8L (LAY) 🢒 Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection
  1. Inspect connecting rod thrust clearance.
  2. Install the connecting rod cap.

    3. Object Number: 2017271 Size: SH
  3. Using a dial indicator, measure the thrust clearance while moving the connecting rod back and forth.

    4. Specification

        • Standard thrust clearance: 0.160-0.342 mm (0.0063-0.0135 in)
        • Maximum thrust clearance: 0.342 mm (0.0135 in)
  4. If the thrust clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the connecting rod assemblies as necessary. If necessary, replace the crankshaft.
  5. Inspect connecting rod oil clearance.
  6. Clean the crank pin and bearing.
  7. Check the crank pin and bearing for pitting and scratches.

    8. Object Number: 2017272 Size: SH
  8. Lay a strip of Plastigage (1) on the crank pin.

    9. Object Number: 2017273 Size: SH
  9. Check that the front mark (1) of the connecting rod cap is facing forward.

    10. Note: Do not turn the crankshaft.

  10. Install the connecting rod cap.
  11. Remove the 2 bolts and connecting rod cap.
  12. Measure the Plastigage at its widest point.

    13. Specification

        • Standard oil clearance: 0.030-0.062 mm (0.0012-0.0024 in)
        • Maximum oil clearance: 0.07 mm (0.0028 in)

    Note: Completely remove the Plastigage after the measurement.

    If replacing a bearing, replace it with one that has the same number as its respective connecting rod cap. Each bearing standard thickness is indicated by a 1, 2, or 3 mark on its surface.

  13. If the oil clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the connecting rod bearings. If necessary, inspect the crankshaft.

    14. Object Number: 2017298 Size: SH
  14. Inspect the crankshaft.
  15. Using a dial indicator and V-blocks, measure the circle runout as shown in the illustration.

    16. Specification
    Maximum circle runout: 0.03 mm (0.0012 in)

  16. If the taper and distortion are greater than the maximum, replace the crankshaft.

    17. Object Number: 2017299 Size: SH
  17. Using a micrometer, measure the diameter of each main journal.

    18. Specification
    Standard diameter: 47.988-48.000 mm (1.8893-1.8898 in)

  18. If the diameter is not as specified, check the crankshaft oil clearance.
  19. Check each main journal for taper and distortion as shown in the illustration.

    20. Specification
    Maximum taper and distortion: 0.004 mm (0.0002 in)

  20. If the taper and distortion are greater than the maximum, replace the crankshaft.

    21. Object Number: 2017301 Size: SH
  21. Using a micrometer, measure the diameter of each crank pin.

    22. Specification
    Standard diameter: 43.992-44.000 mm (1.7320-1.7323 in)

  22. If the diameter is not as specified, check the connecting rod oil clearance.
  23. Inspect each crank pin for taper and distortion as shown in the illustration.

    24. Specification
    Maximum taper and distortion: 0.004 mm (0.0002 in)

  24. If the taper and distortion are greater than the maximum, replace the crankshaft.
  25. Inspect crankshaft thrust clearance.
  26. Install the main bearing cap.

    27. Object Number: 2017303 Size: SH
  27. Using a dial indicator, measure the thrust clearance while prying the crankshaft back and forth with a screwdriver.

    28. Specification

        • Standard thrust clearance: 0.04- 0.14 mm (0.0016-0.0055 in)
        • Maximum thrust clearance: 0.18 mm (0.0071 in)

    Note: The thrust washer thickness is 2.43-2.48 mm (0.0957-0.0976 in).

  28. If the thrust clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the thrust washers as a set.
  29. Inspect the crankshaft oil clearance.
  30. Check the crank journal and bearing for pitting and scratches.
  31. Install the crankshaft bearing.
  32. Place the crankshaft on the cylinder block.

    33. Object Number: 2017304 Size: SH
  33. Lay a strip of Plastigage (1) across each journal.

    34. Note: A number is marked on each main bearing cap to indicate the installation position.

  34. Examine the front marks and numbers and install the bearing caps on the cylinder block

    35. Note: Do not turn the crankshaft.

  35. Install the main bearing cap.
  36. Remove the main bearing caps.

    37. Object Number: 2017305 Size: SH
  37. Measure the Plastigage (1) at its widest point.

    38. Specification

        • Standard oil clearance: 0.016-0.039 mm (0.0006-0.0015 in)
        • Maximum oil clearance: 0.050 mm (0.0020 in)

    Note: 

       • Remove the Plastigage completely after the measurement.
       • If replacing a bearing, select a new one with the same number. If the number of the bearing cannot be determined, calculate the correct bearing number by adding together the numbers imprinted on the cylinder block and crankshaft. Then select a new bearing with the calculated number according to the chart below. There are 4 sizes of standard bearings, marked 1, 2, 3 and 4 accordingly.
       • EXAMPLE: Cylinder block 3 + Crankshaft 5 = Total number 8 (Use bearing 3)

  38. If the oil clearance is greater than the maximum, replace the crankshaft bearing. If necessary, replace the crankshaft.

    39. Object Number: 2017306 Size: SH
  39. Inspect the cylinder head set bolt.
  40. Using vernier calipers, measure the tension portion diameter (a) of the bolts.

    41. Specification

        • Standard bolt length: 84.3-85.7 mm (3.3189-3.3740 in)
        • Maximum bolt length: 86.7 mm (3.4134 in)
  41. If the bolt length is greater than the maximum, replace the bolt.

    42. Note: Using a straightedge, visually check for thinner areas of the threaded part of the crankshaft bearing cap bolt.

  42. Using vernier calipers, measure the minimum diameter (b) of the elongated thread at the measuring point.

    43. Specification

        • Standard outside diameter: 9.77-9.96 mm (0.3846-0.3921 in)
        • Minimum outside diameter: 9.1 mm (0.3583 in)
  43. If the diameter is less than the minimum, replace the bolt.

    44. Note: If there is damage or clogging, replace the oil nozzle.

  44. Check the oil nozzles for damage or clogging.