Connecting Rod Bearing: Service and Repair

TOOL REQUIRED
J 36660 Torque Angle Meter

CAUTION: Do not scrape, shim, or file bearing inserts. If the bearing surface of the insert is touched with bare fingers, the skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

NOTE: Ensure that the bearing cap bolt holes and the cap mating surfaces are clean and dry.

INSTALLATION
1. Dip the bearing cap bolts in clean engine oil.

CAUTION: Upper and lower inserts may be different. Do not obstruct any oil passages.

2. Place inserts into the bearing cap and into the engine block or connecting rod.
3. The inserts will project slightly when put into place. Ensure that the inserts project an equal distance on both sides.
4. Make sure the insert tangs are engaged.
5. In the case of a main bearing insert of the thrust bearing type, coat the thrust surface with GM approved lubricant or equivalent.
6. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
7. Install the crankshaft or connecting rod.

CAUTION: In order to prevent the possibility of cylinder block or crankshaft bearing cap damage, the crankshaft bearing caps are tapped into the cylinder block cavity using a brass, lead, or a leather mallet before the attaching bolts are installed. Do not use attaching bolts to pull the crankshaft bearing caps into the seats. Failure to observe this information may damage a cylinder block or a bearing cap.

8. Install the bearing cap. Tap the cap gently into place with a suitable tool.
9. Install the bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.). Use the Torque Angle Meter in order to tighten the bolts an additional 50 degrees.
10. Seat the crankshaft thrust bearing by tapping the crankshaft in both directions with a wooden mallet.
11. Pry the connecting rod back and forth and check for binding. If necessary, loosen and retighten the bearing cap.





12. Measure the crankshaft end play.
13. Measure the connecting rod side clearance.