Removal and Replacement

Main Bearing Replacement





The main bearings must be replaced one-at-a-time in order to properly support the crankshaft. The upper and lower main bearing shells are NOT interchangeable. The upper and lower main bearings are "select fit" to achieve proper oil clearances Procedures.

NOTE: To replace the main bearings, the engine must be removed from the vehicle.

1. Remove the engine Engine - Removal
2. Remove the rear crankshaft oil seal Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal - Removal





3. Remove the engine oil pump Engine Oil Pump - Removal
4. Remove the two bolts (1 and 3) and the oil filter housing oil return tube (2).





5. Remove the twenty bedplate cap bolts in the sequence shown and remove the bedplate.
6. Remove all residual sealant from the cylinder block and bedplate.






NOTE: Graphic shows crankshaft removed for clarity. The upper center main bearing (1) has the thrust washers attached. Replace only one upper main bearing (1 and 2) at a time.

7. Slide the upper main bearing half (1 and 2) out from between the crankshaft and the engine block.
8. If required, select fit new main bearings to the engine block Procedures
9. Lubricate the upper main bearing half (1 and 2) with clean engine oil and slide the bearing into position.
10. Install two bedplate locating dowels (3).






CAUTION: The bedplate 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.

11. Check the bedplate 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.





12. Lubricate and install the lower main bearing halves (1) into the bedplate.
13. Clean the cylinder block and bedplate mating surfaces with isopropyl alcohol in preparation for sealant application.

CAUTION: Engine assembly requires the use of a unique sealant that is compatible with engine oil. Using a sealant other than Mopar(R) Engine RTV GEN II may result in engine fluid leakage.

CAUTION: Following the application of Mopar(R) Engine RTV GEN II to the gasket surfaces, the components must be assembled within 10 minutes and the attaching fasteners must be tightened to specification within the next 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to the air prior to assembly may result in engine fluid leakage.

14. Apply a 2 to 3 mm wide bead of Mopar(R) Engine RTV GEN II sealant (2) to the bedplate as shown.





15. Position the bedplate onto the cylinder block. Make sure the bedplate seats fully over the locating dowels.
16. Install the twenty bedplate bolts finger tight.
17. Tighten the bedplate bolts in the sequence shown, following this 5 step torque plus angle method. Tighten according to the following torque values:
- Step 1: 1 through 10 to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
- Step 2: 11 through 20 to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).
- Step 3: 1 through 10 again to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
- Step 4: 1 through 10 + 80° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.
- Step 5: 11 through 20 to 32 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).

18. Measure crankshaft end play Procedures





19. Install a new oil filter housing oil return tube O-ring seal (1).





20. Install the oil filter housing oil return tube (2) between the bedplate and oil filter housing with two gaskets (4). Tighten the bolt (3) to 9 Nm (80 in. lbs.) and tighten the bolt (1) to 33 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).
21. Install the engine oil pump, timing belt and sprockets Engine Oil Pump - Installation
22. Install the rear crankshaft oil seal and transmission Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal - Installation





23. Install the engine Engine - Installation
24. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level Service and Repair
25. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten nut to 5 Nm (45 in. lbs.).
26. Fill the cooling system Service and Repair.
27. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system for correct fluid level Service and Repair