Crankshaft and Bearings Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Envoy XL and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

IMPORTANT:

Crankshaft bearing clearances are critical. Excessive crankshaft bearing clearance may effect crankshaft position sensor signals and/or On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II system performance.
Crankshaft bearing caps must be installed to the proper location and direction.
When installing the crankshaft bearings, align the locating tabs on the bearings with the locating notches in the engine block journal bore and the bearing cap.

Fig 1: Installing Crankshaft Bearing Caps To Proper Location And Direction
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Always install crankshaft bearings with their machined partner. Do not file bearings or mix bearing halves.
To prevent engine block oil leakage, install NEW M8 crankshaft bearing cap side bolts.
The crankshaft bearing cap M8 side bolts have a sealant patch applied to the bolt flange.

Install the crankshaft thrust bearings to the engine block and center bearing cap.
Install the remaining crankshaft bearings to the engine block and bearing caps.
Lubricate the bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals with clean engine oil.
NOTE: To maintain proper crankshaft end play, use extreme care during crankshaft installation. Avoid scoring or damaging the thrust bearing.
Install the crankshaft.

Fig 2: Installing Crankshaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The bearing caps must be installed in the proper location and direction.
Install the crankshaft bearing caps, with bearings, into the engine block.
Start the M10 bolts and bolt/studs.
Tap the bearing caps into place with a plastic-faced hammer.

Fig 3: Installing Crankshaft Bearing Caps, With Bearings, Into Engine Block
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the NEW M8 bearing cap side bolts.

Fig 4: Installing M8 Bearing Cap Side Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Tighten the bearing cap bolts and studs.
Tighten

Tighten the inner M10 bearing cap bolts first pass in sequence to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

IMPORTANT: To properly align the crankshaft thrust bearings, the final thrust of the crankshaft MUST be in the forward direction.
Using a plastic faced hammer, tap the crankshaft rearward then forward to align the thrust bearings.
Tighten
1. 10.1. Tighten the inner M10 bolts final pass in sequence 80 degrees using the J 36660-A .
2. 10.2. Tighten the outer M10 bolts/studs first pass in sequence to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
3. 10.3. Tighten the outer M10 bolts/studs final pass in sequence 51 degrees using the J 36660-A .
4. 10.4. Tighten the bearing cap side M8 bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
  Tighten the bolt on one side of the bearing cap and then tighten the bolt on the opposite side of the same bearing cap.
  
  Fig 5: Tightening Bearing Cap Bolts And Studs In Sequence
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the crankshaft position sensor.
1. 11.1. Inspect the crankshaft position sensor O-ring seal. If the O-ring seal is not cut or damaged, it may be used.
2. 11.2. Coat the O-ring seal with clean engine oil.
3. 11.3. Install the sensor. Align the notch in the sensor retaining bracket with the bolt hole in the block.
4. 11.4. Install the sensor bolt.
  Tighten
  
  Tighten the crankshaft position sensor bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
  
  Fig 6: Installing Crankshaft Position Sensor
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Measure the crankshaft end play.
1. 12.1. Thrust the crankshaft forward or rearward.
2. 12.2. Insert a feeler gage between the center crankshaft bearing and the bearing surface of the crankshaft and measure the bearing clearance.
  The proper crankshaft end play clearance is 0.04-0.2 mm (0.0015-0.0078 in).
3. 12.3. If the bearing clearance is not within specifications, inspect the thrust surfaces for nicks, gouges or raised metal.
  Minor imperfections may be removed with a fine stone.
  
  Fig 7: Measuring Crankshaft End Play Using Tool
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.