What happens when a thrust bearing fails in an engine?
If an engine is assembled with too much end play in the crank, or if the thrust bearing fails, the forward movement of the crankshaft in the block can chew up the main bearing caps and block. Excessive end play can also cause connecting rods to fatigue and break, and wrist pins to work loose and score the cylinders.
What should I do if my crankshaft bearings are not aligned?
Tighten main cap bolts to approximately 10 to 15 ft.lb. to seat bearings; then loosen. Tap main cap toward rear of engine, with a soft faced hammer. Tighten main cap bolts, finger tight. Using a bar, force the crankshaft as far forward in the block as possible; to align the bearing rear thrust faces.
Where are the thrust bearings located in the crankshaft?
Crankshaft thrust bearings provide a fore/aft gap-control for axial movement (or endplay) of the crankshaft. These thrust bearings are located at a specific main bearing location, generally at the center main or rear main, depending on engine design.
What to do if your clutch release bearing is too high?
If transmission-to-cooler pressure is too high, and the return line pressure is lower, inspect for restricted cooler and cooler plumbing. In the case of a manual transmission, also check the clutch release bearing for proper adjustment.
If an engine is assembled with too much end play in the crank, or if the thrust bearing fails, the forward movement of the crankshaft in the block can chew up the main bearing caps and block. Excessive end play can also cause connecting rods to fatigue and break, and wrist pins to work loose and score the cylinders.
Tighten main cap bolts to approximately 10 to 15 ft.lb. to seat bearings, then loosen. Tap main cap toward rear of engine with a soft faced hammer. Tighten main cap bolts, finger tight. Using a bar, force the crankshaft as far forward in the block as possible to align the bearing rear thrust faces.
How are thrust bearings different from radial bearings?
Although thrust bearings run on a thin film of oil, just like radial journal (connecting rod and main) bearings, they cannot support nearly as much load. While radial bearings can carry loads measured in thousands of pounds per square inch of projected bearing area, thrust bearings can only support loads of a few hundred pounds per square inch.
Can a crankshaft have an oversize thrust bearing?
Oversize thrust bearings do exist. Some main bearing sets are supplied onlywith an additional thickness thrust bearing. In most of those instances, additional stock removal from the crankshaft thrust face surface may be required. Crankshaft end float should be calculated and determined before grinding additional material from the thrust face.