Main bearing replacement in car
11-02-2003, 09:16 PM
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Main bearing replacement in car
I'm in the midst of a poor man'* engine repair. I'm pretty sure that I caught a rod knock before any damage got to the crank. The number 5 bearing was rapidly starting to "loose ground". Luckily I didn't see any discoloration due to heat or wear indications on the crank.
While I was already in (I'm trying to do this with the engine and trans still in the car), I thought that changing the main bearings at the same time could be a good step at a pre-emtive strike.
Now for the question, is it possible to remove and replace the rear main cap without damage to the ream main seal. Once again, I'm attempting to do this with the crank still in the motor.
I'd be happy with any thoughts.
While I was already in (I'm trying to do this with the engine and trans still in the car), I thought that changing the main bearings at the same time could be a good step at a pre-emtive strike.
Now for the question, is it possible to remove and replace the rear main cap without damage to the ream main seal. Once again, I'm attempting to do this with the crank still in the motor.
I'd be happy with any thoughts.
11-10-2003, 03:21 AM
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it aparently IS possible because thats what the local shop is doing with my car, replacing all the bottom end bearings with the engine still in the car. He did tell me, however, that he is going to drop the transmission out the bottom in order to do it which would be the only way to get at the flywheel bolts so you can move the crank around. Never tried to do this myself though so I'm not a whole lot of help, just that it IS aparently possible.
11-10-2003, 08:05 AM
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Not sure if it IS possible w/o trans removal though. As Jeffery has mentioned, you need to "spin" in the new bearings. In theory you should be able to as the engine turns by itself while the Trans is in Park.
11-10-2003, 10:14 PM
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I did it.
Well folks, I was able to swap out both the rod and main bearings with both the engine and trans in place.
The engine purred like a kitten for a bit (or as smooth a V-6 can) After a couple of hours worth of running / driving, I fear that the crank may be eating the new bearings. I did find one bad spot on the crank with the spun bearing. It'* not knocking yet and I still have excellent oil pressure but it'* starting to not sound "right".
I'll pull the pan again and see how bad they look. It is nice having a car that the pan can be removed by simply removing the bolts and dropping it down. Compared to some cars, it'* almost fun!
The engine purred like a kitten for a bit (or as smooth a V-6 can) After a couple of hours worth of running / driving, I fear that the crank may be eating the new bearings. I did find one bad spot on the crank with the spun bearing. It'* not knocking yet and I still have excellent oil pressure but it'* starting to not sound "right".
I'll pull the pan again and see how bad they look. It is nice having a car that the pan can be removed by simply removing the bolts and dropping it down. Compared to some cars, it'* almost fun!
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