Crankshaft And Bearing Installation

Special Tools 

J - 45059  Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools

Fig 1: Crankshaft Bearings And Bearing Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:
• Crankshaft bearing clearances are critical. Excessive crankshaft bearing clearance may affect crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signals and/or on-board diagnostic (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.
• Always install crankshaft bearings with their machined partner. Do not file bearings or mix bearing halves.
• In order to prevent engine block oil leakage, install NEW crankshaft bearing cap side bolts.
1. Install the crankshaft bearings (2 and 3) to the engine block and bearing caps (1). The thrust bearings (4) are to be installed into center journal.
2. Lubricate the bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals with clean engine oil.
Fig 2: Crankshaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:

To maintain proper crankshaft end play, use extreme care during crankshaft installation. Avoid scoring or damaging the thrust bearing.

3. Install the crankshaft (1).
Fig 3: Crankshaft Bearing Caps
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

The bearing caps (1) must be installed in the proper location and direction. The arrows on the bearing caps must point toward front of engine.

4. Install the crankshaft bearing caps (1), with bearings, into the engine block.
Fig 4: Crankshaft Inner Bearing Cap Bolts, Outer Bearing Cap Bolts And Bearing Cap Side Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:

This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

NOTE:

The inner bearing cap bolts are longer than the outer bearing cap bolts.

5. Install NEW inner bearing cap bolts (1) and NEW outer bearing cap bolts (2)
6. Using a plastic-face hammer, tap the bearing caps into place.
7. Install the NEW bearing cap side bolts (3).
Fig 5: Inner Bearing Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
CAUTION:

Refer to Fastener Caution .

8. Tighten the inner bearing cap bolts (1 - 10) a first pass in sequence to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
NOTE:

To properly align the crankshaft thrust bearings, the final thrust of the crankshaft MUST be in the forward direction.

9. Using a plastic-face hammer, tap the crankshaft rearward, then forward in order to align the thrust bearings.
   • Tighten the inner bearing cap bolts (1 - 10) a final pass in sequence 110 degrees using the J - 45059  meter.
   • Tighten the outer bearing cap bolts (11 - 20) a first pass in sequence to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
   • Tighten the outer bearing cap bolts (11 - 20) a final pass in sequence 80 degrees using the J 45059  meter.
Fig 6: Crankshaft Main Bearing Cap Side Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
10. Tighten the main bearing cap side bolts (1 - 10).
    • Tighten the bearing cap side bolts (1 - 10) a first pass in sequence to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
    • Tighten the bearing cap side bolts (1 - 10) a final pass in sequence to 60 degrees using the J 45059  meter.
Fig 7: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor, Bolt And O-Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
11. Install the CKP sensor (2).
    1. Inspect the CKP sensor O-ring seal (3). If the O-ring seal is not cut or damaged, it may be used again.
    2. Coat the O-ring seal (3) with clean engine oil.
    3. Install the O-ring seal (3) onto the sensor.
    4. Install the sensor (2). Rotate the sensor until the locating hole in the bracket aligns with the bolt hole in the block.
    5. Install the sensor bolt (1) and tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
Fig 8: Measuring Crankshaft End Play
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
12. Measure the crankshaft end play.
    1. Thrust the crankshaft forward or rearward.
    2. Insert a feeler gauge 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. 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.