Can anyone explain what the symtoms of main bearings being bad versus rod bearings? I think I have a slight rod knock and am going to try and replace the bearings but I wanted to know if I have to replace the main bearings too or if there is a way to know. Also does anyone know if I can replace the main bearings on my car without having to pull the engine out? I know I can do this for the rod bearings by taking oil pan off and replacing them...I have a 1996 honda accord LX
Learn from this!!!! Bearing failure, for the most part, is from the use of inappropriate oil!!!! You should be able to access all bearings without removing the engine, but, you will have to remove the front pulleys and dampener. Bearings fail under high heat, or under sludgy oil passageways. If you remove your oil filler cap, and turn it over. THe underside reflects the condition of the whole engine internally. If it is brown or black waxy or flaky, your passageways will look the same. Read your owner's manual for the EXACT specification of oil to use in Honda. The conatainer should read 'Designed for use in Honda' or 'approved for use in Honda. I, personally, would never use anything but Mobil One or ELF oil that meets honda spec's. Usually, it's the rod bearings that begin making noises. They are the easiest to replace. Good Luck!!! GET WISE!!! Before working on this, use butyl cello-solve to de-sludge the engine and clean out the oil galleys. The oil drain should then remove the offending culprit that caused the damage!!!
You raise some good points in your question.
Yes, if your going to replace the rod bearings then change the main bearings as well. You can replace both of them without removing the engine if you know what your doing. Remove the main bearing cap and push the other half out by rolling it around the crank shaft. Easiest way to tell which it is, start engine and get noise to start. Pull spark plug wires one at a time, then reinstall. If the noise goes away at a certain cylinder then you found the bad rod bearing. If that doesn't work then it is most likely a main bearing. Only problem with replacing them in the car is you can't properly check bearing clearances on the crankshaft. Good luck
This Site Might Help You. RE: What are the symtoms of bad main vs rod bearings knock? Can anyone explain what the symtoms of main bearings being bad versus rod bearings? I think I have a slight rod knock and am going to try and replace the bearings but I wanted to know if I have to replace the main bearings too or if there is a way to know. Also does anyone know if I can replace...
Main Bearings make Racket or thump when You Push Pedal Accelerate: As opposed to Rod Bearings that knock when You let off Gas Pedal; I would do an Overhaul if I needed Main Bearings;
