By Chuck Lynch
Engine builders know that crankshaft end play is an important measurement that must be strictly adhered to, but do we understand what other parameters impact the performance and longevity of the thrust bearing? The measurement of crankshaft end play alone does not really quantify critical specifications of the crankshaft, bearings, and the cylinder block.
In this article, the objective is to point out areas that can singularly or combined, result in thrust bearing failures. These attributes are likely not to be considered as the root cause of the failure because the evidence is destroyed or the lack of knowledge about the rest of the assembly leaves too many questions.