Crankshaft and Bearings Installation

Tools Required 

J 36660-A  Torque/Angle Meter

1. Install the upper crankshaft bearings into the cylinder block. The bearing halves to be inserted into the crankshaft main bearing saddle have a wide groove and oil hole in the center of the bearing (1).
2. Install the lower crankshaft bearings into the crankshaft bearing caps. The bearing halves to be inserted into the crankshaft main bearing caps do NOT have an oil hole or groove in the bearing (2).
Fig 1: View Of Crankshaft Upper & Lower Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Install the upper thrust bearings to the cylinder block. There are two thrust bearings (1 and 3) in the cylinder block and one lower thrust bearing in the No. 5 crankshaft bearing cap (2).
Fig 2: View Of View Of Thrust Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Lubricate the crankshaft bearing surfaces with engine oil.
5. Install the crankshaft into the cylinder block.
6. Install the No. 5 crankshaft bearing cap with the lower thrust bearing (2).
7. Install the remaining four crankshaft bearing caps.
Fig 3: View Of Crankshaft Bearing Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: This component uses bolts with a preapplied molybdenum disulfide coating for thread lubrication. Do not remove the coating or use any additional lubricant. Improperly lubricated threads will adversely affect the bolt torque and clamp load. Improper bolt torque and clamp load can lead to engine damage.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
8. Install the NEW crankshaft bearing cap bolts.
9. Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap bolts in the proper sequence.

   Tighten: 

   • 1st step 98 N.m (72 lb ft).
   • 2nd step 132 N.m (97 lb ft).
   • 3rd step 30 degrees using J 36660-A  .

Fig 4: Crankshaft Bearing Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Clean the crankshaft bearing side cap bolt threads, sealing flange and mounting holes with GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent. Dry the bolts and mounting holes with compressed air.
Fig 5: Crankshaft Bearing Side Cap Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Apply GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) to the threads and sealing flange of the bolts.
12. Install the ten bolts.

    Tighten:  Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap side bolts to 78 N.m (58 lb ft).

13. Install the oil pressure sensor.

    Tighten:  Tighten the oil pressure sensor to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

Fig 6: View Of Oil Pressure Sensor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.