Engine Assembler how-to

How to Measure Bearing Clearance

Clearance protects bearings.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Clearance protects bearings. In short: clean; place; torque, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean surfaces.

  2. Place Plastigage.

  3. Torque the cap.

  4. Remove the cap.

  5. Compare width to scale.

  6. Record.

Safety reminders for engine assemblers

  • Use hoists for heavy parts
  • Wear PPE
  • Keep hands clear of rotating parts
  • Follow lockout/tagout

Torque spec · Torque sequence · Clearance · Plastigage · Crankshaft · Piston: see the full engine assembler glossary.

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