Main Bearing Shells Allocation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The main bearing shells are allocated to the cylinder block and crankshaft with the correct thickness at the factory. Colored dots are used to identify the bearing shell thickness.

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

The correct color code for the bearing shells needs to be determined by the letters on the cylinder block and the crankshaft.

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

Letters on the cylinder block:

Fig 1: Cylinder Block Identification

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The letters for the allocation of bearing shells are located on the oil pan sealing surface.

Letters on the crankshaft counterweight:

Fig 2: Crankshaft Identification

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

The letters for the allocation of bearing shells are located on the outer crankshaft counterweight for cylinder 1.

Fig 3: Locating Crankshaft Production Date, Bearing Shell Allocation Letters And Part Number

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

1 - Production Date of the Crankshaft (DDMMYY)

2 - Bearing Shell Allocation Letters

3 - Part Number

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

Letter on the cylinder block	Letter on the crankshaft counterweight	Bearing shell for cylinder block color code (upper bearing shell)	Bearing cap bearing shell color code (lower bearing shell)
A, B, C	F	Red	Red
A, B, C	E	Yellow	Red
A, B, C	D	Yellow	Yellow
A, B, C	C	Blue	Yellow
A, B, C	B	Blue	Blue
A, B, C	A	purple	Blue
D, E, G	F	Yellow	Red
D, E, G	E	Yellow	Yellow
D, E, G	D	Blue	Yellow
D, E, G	C	Blue	Blue
D, E, G	B	purple	Blue
D, E, G	A	purple	purple
H, I, K	F	Yellow	Red
H, I, K	E	Yellow	Yellow
H, I, K	D	Blue	Yellow
H, I, K	C	Blue	Blue
H, I, K	B	purple	Blue
H, I, K	A	purple	purple
L, M	F	Yellow	Yellow
L, M	E	Blue	Yellow
L, M	D	Blue	Yellow
L, M	C	purple	Blue
L, M	B	purple	purple
L, M	A	purple	purple

Example:

Crankshaft bearing	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Letters on the cylinder block	G	H	H	H	G	E	G
Letters on the crankshaft counterweight	A	B	A	C	C	A	B
Bearing shell for cylinder block color code (upper bearing shell)	purple	purple	purple	Blue	Blue	purple	purple
Bearing cap bearing shell color code (lower bearing shell)	purple	Blue	purple	Blue	Blue	purple	Blue