Crankshaft Bearing Shell Allocation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Volkswagen R32. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The crankshaft main bearing shells are allocated to the cylinder block and crankshaft with the correct thickness at the factory. Colored spots serve to identify the bearing thicknesses.

If the cylinder block or crankshaft are being replaced, then the bearing shells must be reallocated.

The bearing shells for the cylinder block (upper bearing shell) are always marked in yellow.

Using the letters on the cylinder block and the crankshaft, determine the correct color identification for the bearing shell in the bearing cap (lower bearing shell).

The first letter is for bearing cap one, the second for bearing cap two, etc.

Cylinder Block Identification

Fig 1: Cylinder Block Identification

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The letters are located on the oil pan sealing surface.

Crankshaft Identification

Fig 2: Crankshaft Identification

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The letters are located on the outer crankshaft counterweight for cylinder 1.

-- Note the letters and then match it to the color identification in the table.

Letter on cylinder block	Letter on crankshaft counterweight	Bearing shell color identification for bearing cap	Bearing shell color identification for the cylinder block
A, B, C, D, E	R	red	yellow
A, B, C, D, E	G	red	yellow
A, B, C, D, E	B	yellow	yellow
A, B, C, D, E	V	blue	yellow
G, H, I	R	red	yellow
G, H, I	G	red	yellow
G, H, I	B	yellow	yellow
G, H, I	V	blue	yellow
K, L, M	R	red	yellow
K, L, M	G	yellow	yellow
K, L, M	B	blue	yellow
K, L, M	V	purple	yellow

Example

Bearing cap	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Letters on the cylinder block	G	H	H	H	G	E	G
Letters on the crankshaft counterweight	G	B	B	V	B	B	G
Bearing shell color identification for bearing cap	red	yellow	yellow	blue	yellow	yellow	red