Main Bearing Replacement

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The main bearings must be replaced one-at-a-time in order to properly support the crankshaft. The upper (2) and lower (1) main bearing shells are NOT interchangeable. All upper bearing shells (2) have oil grooves and holes. All lower bearing shells (1) are smooth. Crankshaft end play is controlled by a two piece thrust bearing (3) on the second main bearing journal. The upper and lower main bearings are "select fit" to achieve proper oil clearances. Refer to BEARING(S), CRANKSHAFT, MAIN, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

1. Remove the engine from the vehicle and mount the engine on the maintenance stand. Refer to REMOVAL .
2. Remove the ignition coils and spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL .
3. Remove the oil pan, windage tray and oil pump pick-up. Refer to PICK-UP, OIL PUMP, REMOVAL .
4. Remove the rear crankshaft oil seal retainer. Refer to RETAINER, CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL, REMOVAL .

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5. Loosen, but do not remove, the ten main bearing tie bolts (1) and the ten main bearing cap bolts (2).

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   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 (1) are not interchangeable and are marked to insure correct assembly.

6. Mark the main bearing cap positions (1) using a permanent ink marker or a scribe tool. Replace only one main bearing at a time while all other main bearing caps remain properly tightened.
   NOTE:

   Replace the main bearings in the following order; 3, 2, 4, 1, 5:

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7. Remove the two tie bolts and the two cap bolts and remove the main bearing cap (1).

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8. Slide the upper main bearing half (1) out from between the crankshaft and the engine block.

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9. When removing the second bearing cap, also remove the thrust bearings (1).
10. If required, select fit new main bearings to the engine block. Refer to BEARING(S), CRANKSHAFT, MAIN, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
11. Clean the main bearing cap bolt holes with Mopar® brake parts cleaner or equivalent and blow out with compressed air.

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    NOTE:

    Ensure that the main bearing cap bolt holes in the block are clean, dry (free of residual oil or coolant), and the threads are not damaged.

12. Lubricate the upper main bearing half (1) with clean engine oil and slide the bearing into position.

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    NOTE:

    The thrust bearings must be installed with the notches facing the crankshaft.

13. When installing thrust bearings at the second main bearing location, use the following procedure:
    • Move the crankshaft forward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the front thrust bearing by rolling the bearing onto the machined shelf between the second upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.
    • Move the crankshaft rearward to the limit of travel. Lubricate and install the rear thrust bearing by rolling the bearing onto the machined shelf between the second upper main bulk head and crankshaft thrust surface.

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    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.

14. 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.

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15. Install the lower half-bearing on the main cap (1) with the tang (2) inserted into the machined groove in the cap. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
16. Install the main bearing cap with the main bearing cap bolts and main bearing tie bolts only hand tight at this time.
17. Repeat the previous steps for main bearings 2, 4, 1 and 5.
    Fig 1: Main Bearing Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence

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18. Tighten the ten main bearing cap bolts (1 - 10) in the sequence shown in illustration, following this 3 step torque plus angle method. Tighten according to the following torque values:
    • Step 1: All to 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.)
    • Step 2: All to 45 N.m (33 ft. lbs.)
    • Step 3: All an additional 90° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step. 
19. Tighten the ten main bearing tie bolts (11 - 20) in the sequence shown in illustration to 23 N.m (17 ft. lbs.).
20. Check the crankshaft end play. Refer to CRANKSHAFT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
21. Install the windage tray and oil pump pick-up. Refer to PICK-UP, OIL PUMP, INSTALLATION .
22. Install the rear crankshaft oil seal retainer and oil pan. Refer to RETAINER, CRANKSHAFT REAR OIL SEAL, INSTALLATION .
23. Install the spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to SPARK PLUG, INSTALLATION .
24. Install the transmission to the engine and install the engine in the vehicle. Refer to 948TE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, INSTALLATION and 2.0L ENGINE, INSTALLATION .
25. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to ENGINE, OIL, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
26. Fill the cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
27. Connect the negative battery cable.
28. Start engine and check for leaks.
29. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system for correct fluid level. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM, STANDARD PROCEDURE .