Crankshaft and Bearings Installation

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.

Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Important:

Lubricate the crankshaft bearings and crankshaft with clean engine oil.
If undersized bearings are used, ensure that the bearings are fitted to the proper journals.

Install the crankshaft upper bearings into the block. Apply clean engine oil to the bearing surfaces.

Fig 1: Crankshaft Upper Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the crankshaft lower bearings into the crankshaft bearing caps. Apply clean engine oil to the bearing surfaces.

Fig 2: Crankshaft Lower Bearings
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: In order to prevent damage to the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel/ring care must be used when removing or installing this component.
Install the crankshaft.

Fig 3: Crankshaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The bearing caps must be seated within 60 minutes of the sealer being applied. The bearing cap fasteners must be tightened within 5 minutes of the bearing caps being installed onto the engine block.
Apply a (A) 13 mm (0.500 in) light film of sealant GM P/N United States 1052942, GM P/N Canada 10953466, or equivalent to the rear bearing cap sealing face or to the rear bearing cap channel of the engine block. Apply the sealant to the bearing cap mating surface and bearing cap channel from the rear seal bore to the oil pan surface.

Fig 4: Rear Bearing Cap Sealing Face Sealant Application Area
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: In order to prevent the possibility of cylinder block or crankshaft bearing cap damage, the crankshaft bearing caps are tapped into the cylinder block cavity using a brass, lead, or a leather mallet before the attaching bolts are installed. Do not use attaching bolts to pull the crankshaft bearing caps into the seats. Failure to use this process may damage a cylinder block or a bearing cap.

NOTE: The crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel/ring is not serviced separately. Do not repair the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel/ring. If the crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring is damaged, the crankshaft assembly must be replaced.

Important: Ensure that the triangle symbols on the crankshaft bearing caps are facing the front of the engine.
Install the crankshaft bearing caps in the location the caps were marked and originally removed from.

Fig 5: Crankshaft Bearing Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.

Important: Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap inner bolts before tightening the crankshaft bearing cap outer studs.
Install the crankshaft bearing cap bolts and studs.
Tighten
1. 6.1. Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap inner bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
2. 6.2. Tighten the crankshaft bearing cap outer studs to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).
3. 6.3. Using J 36660-A, tighten the crankshaft bearing cap inner bolts an additional 90 degrees.
4. 6.4. Using J 36660-A, tighten the crankshaft bearing cap outer studs an additional 80 degrees.
Fig 6: Crankshaft Bearing Cap Bolts & Studs
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Measure the crankshaft end play as follows:
1. 7.1. Install the J 8001 or equivalent to the cylinder block, with the dial indicator plunger against one of the counterweights of the crankshaft.
  
  Fig 7: Measuring Crankshaft End Play
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. 7.2. Firmly thrust the end of the crankshaft first rearward then forward. This will line up the rear crankshaft bearing and the crankshaft thrust surfaces.
3. 7.3. With the crankshaft pushed forward, zero the dial indicator. Move the crankshaft rearward, and read the end play measurement on the dial indicator. An optional method is to insert a feeler gage between the crankshaft and the bearing surface and measure the clearance. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
4. 7.4. If the correct end play cannot be obtained, inspect for the following conditions:
  - Verify that the correct size crankshaft bearing has been installed. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
  - Inspect the crankshaft thrust wall surface or surfaces for wear and/or excessive runout. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
5. 7.5. Inspect the crankshaft for binding. Turn the crankshaft to check for binding. If the crankshaft does not turn freely, loosen the crankshaft bearing bolts and studs, one cap at a time, until the tight bearing is located. The following condition or conditions could cause a lack of clearance at the bearing:
  - Burrs on the crankshaft bearing cap
  - Foreign material between the bearing and the block
  - Foreign material between the bearing and the bearing cap
  - A faulty crankshaft bearing
  - Improper size bearing
    Important:
  - Ensure that the crankshaft position sensor is fully seated against the crankshaft reluctor ring. The upper flange on the sensor MAY NOT seat against the engine block.
  - The crankshaft position sensor bolt has a thread sealant applied to the threads. The thread sealant may have come off during the removal of the bolt. Ensure that the bolt hole is clean of any debris before installing the crankshaft sensor bolt.
Inspect both crankshaft position sensor O-rings for cuts, cracks, tears or damage. Replace the O-rings as needed. Lubricate the crankshaft position sensor O-rings with clean engine oil.
Install the crankshaft position sensor into the block.
There may be a slight resistance as the O-rings seat into the engine block.
Apply thread adhesive GM P/N United States 12345493, GM P/N Canada 10953488, or equivalent to the crankshaft position sensor bolt.
Install the crankshaft position sensor bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the crankshaft position sensor bolt to 12N.m(106lbin).

Fig 8: Crankshaft Position Sensor & Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.