Corvette Crank Thrust
An owner of a 2014 Chevy Corvette may experience stalling, shudder and/or hard shifting into first gear or reverse (manual transmission) or stalling after a driveline replacement. If equipped with an automatic transmission, a vibration on take off or a clunk noise may be observed. This may be an indication that the crankshaft main thrust bearing and/or crankshaft needs to be replaced. The cause could be excessive crankshaft end play due to a worn/damaged thrust bearing (the thrust bearing is the number 3 main bearing location).Check to see if the crankshaft end play is within specification (0.0015 – 0.0086 inches). If end play is beyond specification, remove the engine, disassemble and inspect the crankshaft thrust bearing location and the thrust bearing. Inspect the thrust bearing for wear on one side and the bearing’s thrust mating surface on the crankshaft. If wear is evident (if the three vertical oil channels on the thrust surface of the bearing are worn off), replace all rod and main bearings. If damage is evident on the crankshaft’s thrust bearing journal and fillet, also replace the crankshaft.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike MavrigianMike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.


