Thread: Changing your rod bearings

Hey everyone. This one is not too hard. I practiced on my junk motor and getting at the rod bearings is not to difficult. I had one question though for the guys who have done it already. Any tips for changing the top bearing, while the motor is in the car? I removed the girdle on the junk motor to get more room to get my hands around the rod cap but I'm wondering if that is even necessary. Even with the girdle off I still didn't see much room for changing that top bearing.

I'm going to plasti gauge the bottom bearings. If the gap measures out of spec does that mean I have to change both bearings or could I just change the bottom bearing?

i would change both bearings because they wear just a little bit, and that wouldnt be good if you had an old and new bearing int the rod

It's still pretty easy to get at the top bearing, altough I dont have big hands. After you pull the cap off, push the rod up a little bit and use your finger or something to slide the top bearing off. When you put the new top bearing in there, it should stay. Use lots of lube.

You need to replace both halves. Replacing only one half is not an option. I've done this 5 times now (don't ask) and I've never removed the girdle. It helps to have small, long tools like a pick or similar to push the top bearing out of its seat instead of using your hands. Like jer_760 said, you'll want to push the piston up to get the clearance to work with things. Try not to ram it up though, and bend a valve.

Cool Cool. Now I have a question.

I understand the grade system
0=thinnest bearing
1=thicker bearing
2=thicker then grade 1

There seems to be some other bearings listed on the courtesy parts website. What's up with these alternate OEM bearings?
US=.08
US=.12
US=.25

Those are for people who machine the journals down a tiny bit. You're not doing that, nor should you have to, so just get the regular stuff.

im with everyone else definitly make sure you change out both bearings

change both sides. keep it clean.

if there is a little bit of crank wear you can use a thin strip of 400grit paper with oil and gently and evenly smooth it.

Ok this is good info. One last question.

What should I use to clean the surface of the journal? I was thinking I should go with brake clean, and try to find some lint free paper towels.

now what about the ACL berrings ?? I do not belive they come in grades ??