Can i swap the main bearings without pulling the crank? Can i rotate the
bearings out? I was able to remove the thrust bearings without pulling the crank by pushing and turning the crank at the same time. My mains are shot to hell and i really dont want to pull the tranny and everything else to remove the crank so can drop in a new set.

The crank itself looks pretty good..no scrapts or grooves. The bearings are
bronze in color now though..complete warn down (at least the bottom set). I pulled the oil pan after i started hearing funny sounds. (ie crankwalk although the crank didnt move just was making alot of noise)

Any ideas?

thanks,
liam

 

You can do it. I would suggest taking out the tranny and it will make it alot easier. Be sure to get the bearing codes off you old ones (asuming they had the right clearances) and dont get them out of order. You shouldnt have too hard of a time.

 

yes, you can remove them. just be careful not to knick the crank. also remember to remove the belts as this will hold up on the crank. there is no need to remove the trans.

 

How the F#$k are you going to get the new ones back in? I can understand pulling out old tore up ones, but the new ones are going to have to fit into the tangs on the blocks crank journels. I would take it all out and do it right.

 

It would be fun watching someone try to do this. I would just ake the crank out, , install the bearings, plastigauge, reinstall after you know everything is fine.

 

I've done it several times. The remaining part of a rivet helps as well, you can get the bearing half into place as well as you can with your fingers, then put the rivet piece into a crank oiling hole and use it to push the upper half the rest of the way into place. very simple. I've done rods and mains in the same engine with it still in the car before.

 

Jared, how do you pull the #5 main cap off on a gsr with the rear seal plate in the way? 1 thru 4 are very easy to swap in the car. You push the tang side out first and insert the new non tang side in first and just spin them around into position. If you need help pushing them around, use something wooden so you wont mess up the crank or bearing.

 

thanks for all the replys..ill try to get them out without removing the crank then!

*liam goes to the garage*

liam

 

It's very easy. I just did it last night in a b16. The hardest part was dealing with the cold. Also don't forget to use engine assembly lube or vasoline to keep the bearings in place so they don't fall off. Good luck

 

I would like to thank all of you..i swapped the bearings this afternoon all went perfect. Although i didnt have to deal with the cold...its nice and warm here in southern california (i was in a t-shirt and pants).

I ended up using ACL bearings which i bought from Rising Sun Import Parts $39.95 for a full set. What an awesome price. Alot better then spending $180 for honda bearings.

liam