OEM 2000 Buick LeSabre Rod Bearing

2000 Buick LeSabre Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to replace the connecting rod bearing on 2000 Buick LeSabre?

  A: To replace the connecting Rod Bearing, you should remove Oil Pan and the connecting rod caps, rotating the Crankshaft as needed for access. Check for the wear on the connecting rods and main bearing bores, and gouges, embedded foreign material, uneven side-to-side look, checking for bent Crankshaft or tapered bearing journals. Check outer surfaces for wear, overheating, and looseness, and the thrust surfaces for wear and grooving. Torque the bearing cap to spec, measure the bore for taper and out of round, and do not have these conditions. Examine the bearing cap bolts (1 and 2) and replace them if they are stretched by doing a comparison with new bolts. In order to identify the right way of replacing inserts size; takes the bearing clearance measure either by method a or method b, where method a is rated preferred for its reliability. Method a consists of using a micrometer to measure Crankshaft journal diameter then averaging them all and ensuring the bearing inserts are installed correctly and torqued to specification. Method b requires assembling the bearing insert with the Crankshaft, position the gaging plastic over the bearing width, position the bearing cap, tighten the bolt, take flattened gaging plastic measurements. For installation, verify that both bearing cap bolt holes and mating surfaces are clean and dry, submerge the bearing cap bolts in engine oil and insert the inserts in the bearing cap and engine block/conrolling rod making them protrude equally from the two sides. Apply gm approved lubricant to the thrust surface of the main bearing insert, lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil and insert the Crankshaft or connecting rod. Install the bearing cap by tapping it gently into place and tighten the bearing cap bolts to 27 nm (20 ft. Lbs.) using the torque angle meter (J 36660-A) an additional 50 degrees. Push in the Crankshaft thrust bearing with a wooden mallet, both inward and outward, check for binding in the connecting rod, measure the end play of the Crankshaft, and measure the side clearance of the connecting rod before refitting the Oil Pan.