The present study was carried out to detect crankshaft bearing knock using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in an innovative way. Lubricating oil of MAGOTAN 2.0 with mileage of 1000~28000Km and sampling interval of 1000Km changed into atomic vapor in the heat after digesting with microwave. Hollow-cathode lamp made of the same element with metal content under test would radiate characteristic radiation with certain wavelength. A part of atomic vapor was launched with ground state atom after heating with graphite furnace. Concentration-absorbance working curve was finished with standard series sample after absorbance was measured. Finally, element content under test in oil was obtained based on the work curve. Database of primary element (Cu and Pb) content of lubricating oil in the same engine with different mileage was established. Results showed that Cu, Pb content fluctuates with different mileage in a certain range. In practical engineering applications, primary metal content in lubricating oil of engine crankshaft bearing was measured and compared with content variation trend chart. This new method not only helps automobile maintenance personnel to diagnose crankshaft bearing knock under no-disintegration situation but also is benefit for reducing the maintenance cost of automobile greatly and improving diagnostic accuracy of crankshaft bearing knock.