Connecting Rod Bearing: Service and Repair

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 136660 Torque Angle Meter or equivalent.

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 NOTES
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 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 attach the 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 J 36660 in order to tighten the bolts an additional 50°.
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 connecting rod side clearance.