Chapter 4

Measuring Tools and Equipment

 Units of Measure

• United States Customary (USC)

– Linear examples: inch, foot, yard, mile
– Weight examples: ounce, pound, ton
– Temperature example: Fahrenheit
– Pressure examples: pounds per square inch
– Torque example: foot pounds
 Units of Measure (cont’d)

• Metric
– Linear examples: meter, centimeter, kilometer
– Weight examples: grams, kilograms
– Temperature example: Celsius
– Pressure examples: kilogram per square
centimeter, bar
– Torque example: Newton meters
 Bolt Identification

• Diameter
– Measured across the threaded area
• Thread pitch (English system)
– The number of threads per inch
• Thread pitch (Metric system)
– The distance in millimeters between two
adjacent threads
Bolt Identification (cont’d)
 Bolt Grade Markings
• Customary (inch) Bolts
– Identification marks correspond to bolt strength.
– Increasing numbers represent increasing strength.
• Metric Bolts
– Identification class numbers correspond to bolt
strength.
– Increasing numbers represent increasing strength.
 Imperial Size Bolt
Identification Example
• An Imperial size bolt that is identified as
3/8" x 2" x 24:
– Has a shank diameter of 3/8 inch
– Is 2 inches long from the bottom of the head to
the end of the shank
– Has 24 threads per inch
 Metric Size Bolt
Identification Example
• A Metric size bolt that is identified as
6mm x 30mm x 1.25mm:
– Has a shank diameter of 6 millimeters
– Is 30 millimeters long from the bottom of the
head to the end of the shank
– Has a distance of 1.25 millimeters between its
threads
 Washers and Other Fasteners
• Flat washers are used with a fastener to
spread out the load.
• Lock washers are used to lock the bolt head
or nut in place.
• Nuts are used with bolts and studs and have
hardness grades as well.
• Cap screws are similar to bolts but are
threaded along their entire length.
 Thread Lubricants and Sealants
• Bolts and studs are commonly coated with
an anti-seize compound.
• Tightening torque should be reduced when
using anti-seize.
• Fasteners that thread into oil or coolant
passages should have thread sealant to
prevent liquids from seeping past the
threads.
 Measuring Tools

• Machinist’s Rule
– Is usually used to measure items that don’t require
extremely close tolerances, such as bolt lengths.
• Vernier Caliper
– Is usually used to measure items that require a
closer degree of accuracy, such as shim thickness.
 Measuring Devices (cont’d)
• Dial Caliper
– Is a version of a vernier caliper that is easier to
read.
• Micrometer
– Is used for measuring items that require very
close tolerances, such as shaft thickness and
bearing diameter.
 Typical Outside Micrometer
• Outside micrometers
are used to measure
brake rotor thickness,
bearing journal
diameter, taper, and
out-of-round.
• English and metric
micrometers are used.
Reading a Metric Micrometer
 Measuring Devices (cont’d)

• Dial Indicator
– Is used to measure
radial or axial
movement, such as a
shaft’s runout or end
play.
 Measuring Devices (cont’d)
• Telescoping Gauge
– Is commonly used to
measure larger bore
diameters, such as an
engine cylinder.
 Measuring Devices (cont’d)
• Small Hole Gauge
– Is used for
measuring small
bores, such as an
engine valve
guide.
 Measuring Devices (cont’d)
• Feeler Gauge
– Is used to measure
clearances, such as
cylinder head or
block deck warpage.
 Service Information Sources
• Manufacturers service information
• Computer-based information systems
• Flat-rate manuals
• Owner’s manuals
• Lubrication guides
• Aftermarket suppliers guides and catalogs
• Hotline services
• International Automotive Technicians Network
Steps for Using a Service Manual
• Select the appropriate manual for the
vehicle being serviced.
• Use the table of contents to locate the
applicable section.
• Use the index at the front of the section to
locate the required information.
Steps for Using a Service Manual
(cont’d)
• Carefully read the information and study
the illustrations and diagrams.
• Follow the required steps and procedures.
• Adhere to all of the given specifications
and safety precautions.