Seeing a good amount of posts about the thrust washer failures. What's a good method to measure? I currently have about 125k miles on my 06. Would this problem occur no matter the mileage and what would some obvious symptoms be?

 

Check out how to measure crankshaft end play.

 

Any symptoms would happen when its too far gone to prevent significant damage. Hence testing is such a good idea.

You need a dial indicator, and a good way to mount it. People like using a magnetic mount. Amazon example below.

Magnet to crank pulley, dial indicator to chassis. Then its push/pull crank pulley, fwd vs back. Measure how much dial travels, total both directions.

The push pull can be done with mild pressure using a small crowbar. Some like to press/release clutch before test to eliminate tension interference.

There is a spec how much play is acceptable. Above is not meant to be used as actual steps, but just an overview of what is needed and scope of test.


Not endorsing this one, it was just first result that appeared in Amazon search:
Amazon mag base dial indicator

 

Thanks for the detailed response. Much appreciated!

 

If you are able to measure the crankfloat and identify it is out of spec, wouldn't it already be too late?

Feel like a better way of tracking thrust washer wear would be through an oil analysis--or is it something that just catastrophically fails?

 

The engine would probably show symptoms if the end play were far beyond tolerance.

A good measurement would indicate the thrust bearing is not worn out.

 

The concern is crank damage. If crank still good, its just a bearing replacement. Still significant work, but at least repairable.

You can have out of spec end float, yet crank still not damaged beyond servicable