Crankshaft and Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important: The crankshaft and connecting rod bearings should be inspected only to determine what kind of damage or failure has occurred. Always install NEW bearings once the bearings have been removed.

Inspect the bearings for craters or pockets. Flattened sections on the bearing halves also indicate fatigue.

Fig 1: Bearings W/Craters
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the bearings for excessive scoring or discoloration.
Inspect the bearings for dirt or debris embedded into the bearing material.

Fig 2: Bearings W/Dirt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the bearings for improper seating indicated by bright, polished sections of the bearings.

Fig 3: Bearings W/Polished Sections
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.