Main Bearing Replacement

Fig 1: Engine Hoist & Load-Leveling Lifting Sling

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The main bearings must be replaced one-at-a-time in order to properly support the crankshaft. The upper and lower main bearing shells are NOT interchangeable. The upper and lower main bearings are "select fit" to achieve proper oil clearances. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

1. Remove the engine. Refer to REMOVAL .
2. Remove the rear crankshaft oil seal. Refer to SEAL, CRANKSHAFT OIL, REAR, REMOVAL .
   Fig 2: Oil Filter Housing Oil Return Tube, Gaskets & Bolts

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
3. Remove the engine oil pump. Refer to PUMP, ENGINE OIL, REMOVAL .
4. Remove the two bolts (1 and 3) and pull the oil filter housing oil return tube (2) out of the bedplate.
   Fig 3: Catalytic Converter, Support Mount & Bolts

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
5. Remove two bolts (3) from the lower catalytic convertor support mount (2).
6. Remove two bolts securing the lower catalytic convertor support mount bracket to the bedplate and remove the bracket.
   Fig 4: Bedplate Cap Bolt Removal Sequence

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
7. Remove the twenty bedplate cap bolts in the sequence shown in illustration and remove the bedplate.
8. Remove all residual sealant from the cylinder block and bedplate.
   Fig 5: Upper Main Bearings & Bedplate Locating Dowels

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
   NOTE:

   Graphic shows crankshaft removed for clarity in illustration. The upper center main bearing (1) has the thrust washers attached. Replace only one upper main bearing (1 and 2) at a time.

9. Slide the upper main bearing half (1 and 2) out from between the crankshaft and the engine block.
10. If required, select fit new main bearings to the engine block. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
11. Lubricate the upper main bearing half (1 and 2) with clean engine oil and slide the bearing into position.
12. Install two bedplate locating dowels (3).
    Fig 6: Checking Cylinder Head Bolts For Stretching (Necking)

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
    CAUTION:

    The bedplate bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts must be replaced.

13. Check the bedplate bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale (2) the bolt must be replaced.
    Fig 7: Lower Main Bearings & Sealant

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
14. Lubricate and install the lower main bearing halves (1) into the bedplate.
15. Clean the cylinder block and bedplate mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol in preparation for sealant application.
    CAUTION:

    Engine assembly requires the use of a unique sealant that is compatible with engine oil. Using a sealant other than Mopar® Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive may result in engine fluid leakage.

    CAUTION:

    Following the application of Mopar® Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive to the gasket surfaces, the components must be assembled within 10 minutes and the attaching fasteners must be tightened to specification within the next 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to the air prior to assembly may result in engine fluid leakage.

16. Apply a 2 to 3 mm wide bead of Mopar® Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive (2) to the bedplate as shown in illustration.
    Fig 8: Bedplate Cap Bolt Tightening Sequence

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
17. Position the bedplate onto the cylinder block. Make sure the bedplate seats fully over the locating dowels.
18. Install the twenty bedplate bolts finger tight.
19. Tighten the bedplate bolts in the sequence shown in illustration, following this 5 step torque plus angle method. Tighten according to the following torque values:
    • Step 1: 1 through 10 to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.).
    • Step 2: 11 through 20 to 15 N.m (11 ft. lbs.).
    • Step 3: 1 through 10 again to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.).
    • Step 4: 1 through 10 + 80° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step. 
    • Step 5: 11 through 20 to 32 N.m (27 ft. lbs.).
20. Measure crankshaft end play. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
    Fig 9: Catalytic Converter, Support Mount & Bolts

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
21. Install the lower catalytic convertor support mount bracket to the bedplate with two bolts tightened to 32 N.m (27 ft. lbs.).
22. Install the two lower catalytic convertor support mount bolts (3) and tighten to 56 N.m (41 ft. lbs.).
    Fig 10: Oil Return Tube O-Ring Seal

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
23. Install a new oil filter housing oil return tube O-ring seal (1).
    Fig 11: Oil Filter Housing Oil Return Tube, Gaskets & Bolts

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
24. Install the oil filter housing oil return tube (2) between the bedplate and oil filter housing with two gaskets (4). Tighten the bolt (3) to 9 N.m (80 in. lbs.) and tighten the bolt (1) to 33 N.m (24 ft. lbs.).
25. Install the engine oil pump, timing belt and sprockets. Refer to PUMP, ENGINE OIL, INSTALLATION .
26. Install the rear crankshaft oil seal and transmission. Refer to SEAL, CRANKSHAFT OIL, REAR, INSTALLATION .
    Fig 12: Engine Hoist & Load-Leveling Lifting Sling

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
27. Install the engine. Refer to INSTALLATION .
28. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
29. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten nut to 5 N.m (45 in. lbs.).
30. Fill the cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
31. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system for correct fluid level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .