Main Bearing Shells Allocation

The bearing shells are allocated to the cylinder block or crankshaft with the correct thickness at the factory. Colored dots are used to identify the bearing shell thickness.

The letters on the lower sealing surface or on the front side of the cylinder block indicate which bearing shell must be inserted at which position in the cylinder block (upper bearing shell).

The letters on the crankshaft indicate which bearing shell must be inserted at which position in the bearing cap (lower bearing shell).

The first letter is for bearing cap one, the second for bearing cap two, etc.

Cylinder Block Bearing Shell Identification:

Fig 1: Cylinder Block Bearing Shell Identification Component Location (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The cylinder block identification may be engraved either on the oil pan sealing surface or on the front side (transmission side) of the cylinder block.

The identification on the cylinder block is for the upper bearing shell (cylinder block bearing shell).

Fig 2: Cylinder Block Bearing Shell Identification Component Location (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Note the letter and then match it to the color coding in the table.

Bearing Cap Bearing Shell Identification: 

Fig 3: Bearing Cap Bearing Shell Identification Components Location

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The identification on the crankshaft is for the lower bearing shell (bearing cap bearing shell)

-- Note the letter and then match it to the color coding in the table.