Checking the condition of the crankshaft (Opel Corsa B)

1. Use a sharpening stone, file or scraper to remove burrs from the edges of the oil holes.

Chamfering the edges of oil holes



2. Wash the crankshaft with solvent, then dry it thoroughly, using compressed air if possible. Don't forget to clean the oil holes with a stiff brush. Then wash them with solvent as well.

Cleaning oil passages with a cylindrical brush

When using compressed air, remember to wear safety glasses!

3. Check the crankshaft main and connecting rod journals for scoring, cavities, cracks and signs of uneven wear.

4. Inspect the entire surface of the shaft for cracks and other damage. To detect hidden cracks, magnetic particle inspection should be used - take the shaft to a car service workshop.



5. Use a micrometer to measure the diameters of the main and connecting rod journals of the shaft. Measure the diameter of each journal at several points along its length and perimeter, which will allow you to assess the value of its taper and ovality, which should not go beyond the permissible ranges (see Specifications in Chapter Engines). You should also evaluate the crankshaft runout value - you will need a pair of V-shaped blocks and a plunger-type dial gauge. If you do not have the necessary equipment, contact a car service specialist for help.



Measuring the radial runout of the crankshaft



6. If the wear/taper/ovality of the journals exceeds the permissible value, or there is mechanical damage to the surfaces, the crankshaft should be re-machined. After machining the shaft, it is necessary to select new main and/or connecting rod bearing shells of the appropriate repair size.



7. Check the condition of the seal journals on both crankshaft journals. The presence of worn grooves, burrs or scuffs will lead to the failure of new seals in the very near future. In some cases, the journals can be restored by turning and pressing special thin-walled bushings onto them. If this type of restoration is not possible, replace the shaft.

8. Check the condition of the main and connecting rod bearing shells (see section Checking the condition of the main and connecting rod bearings of the crankshaft).