Main Bearing Replacement
The main bearings are serviced in-vehicle. They 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 .
- Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- On FWD vehicles, remove the right halfshaft assembly (2) and the intermediate shaft. Refer to REMOVAL .
- If equipped with AWD, remove the PTU (1). Refer to REMOVAL .
- Remove the oil pan, oil pump pick-up and engine oil pump. Refer to PUMP, ENGINE OIL, REMOVAL .
- Remove the accessory drive belt (7). Refer to BELT, SERPENTINE, REMOVAL .
- Remove the bolts (1 and 3) and reposition the A/C compressor (2).
Remove the nut (2), bolt (3) and reposition the heater core return tube (1).
- Remove the three bolts (2) and the front engine mount bracket (1).
- Remove the eight main bearing cap bolts from the windage tray in the sequence shown in illustration and remove the windage tray (1).
NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.
- Remove the eight main bearing tie bolts in the sequence shown in illustration.CAUTION:
DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch to mark main bearing caps, as damage to main bearings could occur.
NOTE:Main bearing caps are not interchangeable and are marked to insure correct assembly.
- Mark the main bearing cap positions using a permanent ink marker or a scribe tool.
NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.
CAUTION:Replace only one main bearing at a time while all other main bearing caps remain properly tightened. If all main bearing caps are removed, the weight of the unsupported crankshaft will damage the crankshaft oil seals.
NOTE:Replace the main bearings in the following order; 2, 3, 1, 4.
- Remove the two cap bolts (2) and remove the main bearing cap (1).
- When removing the No. 2 bearing cap, also remove the thrust washers (5).
- Slide the upper main bearing half (6) out from between the crankshaft and the engine block.
- If required, select fit new main bearings to the engine block. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Lubricate the upper main bearing half (6) with clean engine oil and slide the bearing into position.
NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.
- When installing thrust washers (1) at the No. 2 main bearing location, use the following procedure:
- Move the crankshaft forward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the front thrust washer (1) by rolling the washer onto the machined shelf between the No. 2 upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.
- Move the crankshaft rearward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the rear thrust washer by rolling the washer onto the machined shelf between the No. 2 upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.
CAUTION:The main bearing cap 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.
- Check the main bearing cap 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.
NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.
- Lubricate and install the lower bearing half (3) onto the main cap (1).
- Install the main bearing cap (1) with two inner main bearing cap bolts (2) tightened to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.) plus 90°.
- Repeat the previous steps for main bearings 3, 1 and 4.
- Measure crankshaft end play. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Install the windage tray with eight main bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in illustration to 21 N.m (16 ft. lbs.) plus 90°.
NOTE:
Typical V6 engine configuration shown in illustration.
- Install the eight main bearing tie bolts. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown in illustration to 28 N.m (21 ft. lbs.).
- Install the front engine mount bracket (1). Tighten bolts (2) to 55 N.m (41 ft. lbs.).
- Install the A/C compressor and hand tighten all the bolts (1 and 3) that secure the A/C compressor to the engine. Then tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 ft. lbs.).
- Install the accessory drive belt (7). Refer to BELT, SERPENTINE, INSTALLATION .
- If equipped with AWD, install the PTU (1). Refer to INSTALLATION .
- Install the engine oil pump, oil pump pick-up, oil pans, oil level indicator, front fore-aft crossmember (1) and crossunder pipe (2). Refer to PUMP, ENGINE OIL, INSTALLATION .
- Install the heater core return tube (1) with the nut (2) and bolt (3). Tighten the fasteners to 12 N.m (106 in. lbs.).
- If removed, install the intermediate shaft and right halfshaft assembly (2). Refer to INSTALLATION .
- Install the spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to SPARK PLUG, INSTALLATION .
- If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Connect the negative battery cable and tighten nut to 5 N.m (45 in. lbs.).
- Operate the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.