Standard Bearing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If bearing is in malcondition, or bearing clearance is out of specification, select a new standard bearing according to the following procedure and install it.

First check journal diameter. As shown in the figure, crank web No. 2 has stamped numbers.
There kinds of numbers ("1", "2" and "3") represent the following journal diameters.

Stamped numbers on crank web No. 2 represent journal diameters marked with an arrow in the figure respectively. For example, stamped number "1" indicates that corresponding journal diameter is 57.994-58.000 mm.

Journal diameter

Fig 1: Crankshaft Journal Diameter Identification Chart
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Journal Diameter Numbering Code
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Next, check crankcase (bearing cap) bore diameter without bearing.
On lower crankcase five alphabets are stamped as shown in the figure.

3 kinds of alphabets ("A", "B" AND "C") represent the following cap bore diameters.

Stamped alphabets on lower crankcase represent crankcase bore diameter marked with an arrow in the figure respectively.

For example, stamped alphabet "A" indicates that corresponding bearing cap bore diameter is 62.000 - 62.006 mm.

Main bearing cap bore diameter (for bearing cap No. 1, No. 2, No.3 and No. 5)

Fig 3: Main Bearing Cap Bore Diameter Chart (For Bearing Caps No. 1, No. 2, No.3 & No. 5)
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Fig 4: Identifying Main Bearing Cap Numbers
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Main bearing cap bore diameter (for bearing cap No. 4)

Fig 5: Main Bearing Cap Bore Diameter Chart (For Bearing Cap No. 4)
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Fig 6: Identifying Main Bearing Cap Numbers
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
There are 5 kinds of standard bearings differing in thickness. To distinguish them, they are painted in the following colors at the position as indicated in the figure.
Each color indicated the following thickness at the center of bearing.

Standard size main bearing thickness

Fig 7: Standard Size Main Bearing Thickness Chart
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Fig 8: Identifying Paint Code Location On Main Bearing (Standard Size Main Bearing)
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
From number stamped on crank web No. 2 and alphabets stamped on lower crankcase, determine new standard bearing to be installed to journal, by referring to the table shown below.
For example, if number stamped on crank web No. 2 is "1" and alphabet stamped on lower crankshaft is "B", install a new standard bearing painting in "Black" to its journal.

New standard size bearing specification

Fig 9: New Standard Size Bearing Specification
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Using gaging plastic (1) and scale (2), check bearing clearance with newly selected standard bearing.
If clearance still exceeds its limit, use next thicker bearing and recheck clearance.

Fig 10: Measuring Gaging Plastic (With Newly Selected Standard Bearing)
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
When replacing crankshaft or cylinder block and lower crankcase due to any reason, select new standard bearing to be installed by referring to number stamped on new crankshaft or alphabets stamped on new lower crankcase.