5 Functions of Indicator Dial and How to Use It

Talking about car repairs or maintenance, it certainly cannot be separated from the use of a dial indicator. This measuring tool is almost always used for measuring car engine components. For those of you who are still not quite understanding how to use and the function of a dial indicator. It is advisable to pay attention to the following review.

Function of Dial Indicator

1. Measuring Flat Surfaces for Levelness

When you want to check the condition of the surface of the flywheel and disc brakes, you need to use this tool. The purpose is to determine whether the surface of the flywheel or disc brake is level or not.

As you know, the disc brake or flywheel requires a flat surface when installed. This is so that the disc brake or flywheel can function properly when the car brakes.

2. Measuring the Roundness of Shaft Surfaces

When replacing the crank journal, cam journal, crankshaft, and camshaft, this tool is also used. Its function is to determine the condition of the surface of these components to see if they remain round. If these components are not flat, rough, and oval, then their installation will be difficult.

3. Measuring Whether Surfaces are Parallel or Not

In the process of manufacturing engines, the surfaces of the engine must be ensured to be parallel for accurate assembly. One of the diesel engine components that requires measurement using a dial gauge is the liner projection.

To determine whether the thickness of the gasket is appropriate or not, you compare the surface of the cylinder block on the liner projection.

In addition, components within the engine that require measurement using a dial gauge include piston protrusion. As is known, the piston plays an important role in engine performance.

4. Measuring Shaft Bending

The next function of the dial indicator is to measure the run-out of the shaft. One component that requires this measurement is the propeller shaft. The shape of the propeller shaft, which resembles a tube, is measured with a dial indicator to determine whether the component is bent or straight. 

5. Measuring Free Movement of Objects

The last function of the dial indicator is to measure the free movement of an object (end play). For example, to measure whether the crankshaft rotates smoothly or is stuck.

Read Also: Car Brakes Making a Squeaking Sound? Here are the Causes & How to Overcome It

How to Use a Dial Indicator

Here is how to properly use a dial indicator:

1. First, install the stem part of the dial indicator by inserting it into the locking hole. After it is in, tighten the screw.
2. Don't forget to insert the scale and needle of the dial gauge into the stem that has been installed. Then tighten it.
3. Ensure that the surface of the object to be measured is clean for accurate measurement results.
4. Activate the button to turn on the magnetic flow on the dial gauge.
5. Move the needle part to ensure the position is exactly above the surface of the object.
6. Next, slide the surface of the object to the left or right and see if the needle rotates. If the needle rotates, it indicates that the tool is working. If the needle rotates in opposite directions, then the surface of the object is concave. However, if the needle rotates in the same direction, then the surface of the object is convex.
7. In addition to the above method, measurements can also be made by moving or shifting the dial gauge. In fact, some rotate the measurement object.

The function of the dial indicator can work well if you always pay attention to its maintenance and storage.

To prevent physical changes to the dial indicator, it is best to store it at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Don't forget to regularly apply lubricant to the shaft part.

Also, don't forget to always regularly clean it. Make sure you store the dial indicator in a safe place so that it does not get hit.