The invention discloses a bridge crack detection device and detection method. The automatic bridge crack detection device comprises a control device, an installation car, a telescopic rod mechanism and a detection device, wherein the control device comprises a data processing device, a display, a walking controller, a camera shutter frequency detection unit, a telescopic rod adjusting device, a telescopic rod adjusting controller, a first distance detection unit, a second distance detection unit, an illuminating brightness detection unit, a brightness adjusting module and an illuminating brightness controller. The detection method comprises the steps of (1) preparatory work before detection; (2) shooting and uploading of an image; (3) image capturing; (4) bridge crack image processing; (5) calibration object image calibration; and (6) calculating and synchronous outputting of bridge crack parameters. The bridge crack detection device is simple in structure, reasonable in design, and convenient to use and operate, accurate and quick detection of the size of bridge cracks can be achieved, and the work efficiency of bridge crack detection and the reliability of detection data are improved.