GM 10044541 Crankshaft (Machining)

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The following are the general steps to follow, Start by withdrawing the engine of the car and placing on a stable stand. For the L4 engines, remove crankshaft pulley and hub assembly, for V6 engines, remove crankshaft pulley assembly, torsional damper assembly. Subsequently, remove the oil pan, and the oil pump assembly. L4 engines timing gear cover should be removed; L4 V6 engines water pump, crankcase front cover, camshaft sprocket and the timing chain should also be removed. Continue and take out the pistons and the connecting rods from the crankshaft and finally the flywheel. See to it that all the main bearing caps have corresponding positions of the engine block if not you can dent them to help in identification. Remove the main bearing caps, as well as the corresponding bearings that are fixed to the crankshaft, and put all of them on a workbench in the same sequence as they are installed in the engine block. Carefully raise the crankshaft out of the engine block, using care to prevent any scratching of the rod bearing bores, as you would during installation; then extract the rear main oil seal. Last but not the least; remove the main bearings and the main bearing cap from the block maintaining their positions respectively, further depending on the crankshaft configuration; the gear or sprocket might be pulled out using a special tool known as puller.

The crankshaft main bearings should be cleaned and inspected, and both upper and lower halves should be replaced if necessary.

The upper half should be positioned on its cylinder block seat, and the lower half on the rear main bearing cap, with the lips facing the front of the engine. If there are two lips, install the one with the helix toward the front.

Lift the crankshaft from the engine block with care to avoid damage, and then remove the rear main oil seal.

After high mileage, main and connecting rod bearings may wear, leading to excessive running clearance. This can be checked using a product like 'Plastigage' after refitting the original bearings and caps and tightening the cap bolts to the specified torque settings.

Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gauge between the connecting rod caps, and if it falls outside the specified tolerance, replace the rod assembly.

Clean the bearing faces and crankshaft main bearing journals, checking for dirt in the oil holes.

To check the end play, mount a dial indicator aligned with the crankshaft and touching one of the crank throws. Push the crankshaft to the rear and zero the dial indicator, then pry it to the front and note the reading, which indicates the end play.

Take measurements at several points around each journal's circumference to detect taper and out-of-round conditions.

Examine the crankpin and main journal surfaces for scoring, scratches, or corrosion.

Carefully lower the crankshaft into position to avoid damaging the bearing surfaces.

Remove the two halves of the rear main bearing oil seal.

Use a micrometer to measure the diameter at several points to detect taper and out-of-round conditions.

Undersize bearings are available to match the recommended regrind diameter, typically supplied by the dealer with the reconditioned crankshaft.

For models with a one-piece seal retainer, remove the retainer and seal.

Begin by removing the engine from the car and supporting it on a suitable stand.

Clean the crankshaft with solvent and dry it thoroughly, ensuring to clean the oil holes with a stiff brush and flush them with solvent.

Install the main bearings in the cylinder block and main bearing caps, lubricating the bearing surfaces with engine assembly lube.

Lubricate the rear main bearing oil seal for V6 engines, and if applicable, apply gasket sealant to the rear main bearing cap before laying the crankshaft back in place.

Gently tap the caps with a soft-face hammer to separate them from the engine block, using the bolts as levers if necessary, and take care not to drop the bearing inserts.

The upper half should be positioned on its cylinder block seat, and the lower half on the rear main bearing cap, with the lips facing the front of the engine. If there are two lips, install the one with the helix toward the front.

Crankshaft installation is typically one of the initial tasks in engine reassembly, assuming the engine block and crankshaft have been cleaned, inspected, and repaired.