Crankshaft: Service and Repair

Crankshaft Assembly Overview

• Before removing crankshaft, prepare for appropriate storage, so that sensor wheel (=> [ (Item 8) Sensor wheel ] ) does not make contact or become damaged.

• Secure engine to assembly stand using holding fixture (VW 540) when performing repair work. Use the spacers (VW 540/1 B) for this.






1 Oil pump

• with pressure relief valve 12 bar

• Before installing, check to be sure both alignment bushings are present (for centering oil pump/cylinder block)

• Removing and Installing, refer to => [ Oil Pump, Removing and Installing ] Service and Repair

2 15 Nm

3 Chain sprocket

• For oil pump drive

4 Bearing shells 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

• Classification for replacement part ordering => [ Upper Crankshaft Bearing Identification ]

• For bearing cap without oil groove

• For cylinder block with oil groove

• do not interchange used bearing shells (mark)

5 65 Nm + 90° (1/4 turn) additional turn

• Replace

• Fully threaded

• When measuring crankshaft radial play, fasten to 65 Nm

6 Bearing cap

• Bearing cap 1: Belt pulley side

• Bearing cap 3: With cutouts for thrust washers

• Retaining tabs of bearing shells and cylinder block/bearing caps must lie above one another

7 Bearing shell 3

• Classification for replacement part ordering => [ Upper Crankshaft Bearing Identification ]

• For bearing cap without oil groove

• For cylinder block with oil groove

• do not interchange used bearing shells (mark)

8 Sensor wheel

• Replace

• For the engine speed sensor (G28)

• It is possible to install in one position only, the holes are offset asymmetrically.

9 10 Nm + 90° (1/4 turn) additional turn

• Replace

10 Thrust washer

• For bearing cap, bearing 3

• observe locating point

• The letters face the bracket

11 Crankshaft

• Axial clearance

New: 0.07 to 0.23 mm wear limit: 0.30 mm

• measure radial clearance with Plastigage

New: 0.01 to 0.04 mm wear limit: 0.15 mm

• do not turn crankshaft when measuring radial play

• Crankshaft dimensions => [ Crankshaft Dimensions ] Specifications

12 Thrust washer

• For cylinder block, bearing 3

• The letters face the bracket

Upper Crankshaft Bearing Identification





From the factory, the upper bearing shells are allocated to the cylinder block with the correct thickness. The color dots identify the bearing shell thickness.

The letters - x - marked on the lower sealing surface of the cylinder block identify which bearing thickness must be installed in which location.

Arrow points in direction of travel.

Color marking on the bearing shell






• If the color markings are not yet stamped on or no longer readable, use the center (red) bearing shell.

• The lower crankshaft bearing shells are shipped as a replacement part and have a "yellow" dot.