How to replace Rod bearings?

Tiny
JOSH CHINN2
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,678 MILES
How difficult is it to change all the rod bearings? What are the steps necessary to complete this project?
Sunday, September 5th, 2021 AT 2:54 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,858 POSTS
Hi,

Replacing the rod bearings is a somewhat big job. Since you will need to remove the engine and oil pan to access the bearings, you may as well also install the main bearings in the engine and front and rear seals.

Now here is an issue. Once you access the bearings, you need to make sure the crankshaft is within the manufacturer's specifications. Otherwise, you will likely spin one of the new bearings when it is running. If the crankshaft isn't within the tolerance recommended, the easiest thing is to get a new one and replace all bearings.

Can you tell me what is happening that leads you to believe the rod bearings are bad? If they are, you would likely be better off finding a good used engine simply because once the engine you have is apart, there will be many other considerations.

Let me know. Also, take a look through this link. It describes how to identify engine noises.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, September 5th, 2021 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I agree with everything Joe said, I just wanted to add some info as I just had a friend do this and he said he should have just found a used engine or bought a reman engine with a warranty.

Clearly it is more costly but the 4.2L requires you to remove the differential.

I am attaching the entire process for the oil pan and differential assembly so that you can review it and more then likely make the decision that my friend wish that he did.

Let us know if you have questions on this. Thanks
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Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM

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