Can they be done with the engine still in the car?? If so what are the in's and out's?? Is it hard?? How long should it take me??What brand should I look into? What am I looking to spend on the bearings?? I heard that the Clevite bearings are pretty good. Thanks for the help.

 

You can do it in the car, but I wouldnt advise it. Its much more difficult to do that way. If the bearings really need replacing, pulling the engine is probably a good idea. From there its not difficult.

The bearings themselves are relatively inexpensive. Probably run you less than $30.

 

Keep in mind...if you can hear them knocking...its done more damage than just bearings. The rods get out of round and cranks get scored when the bearing fails.

If they make noise, its too late.


Why are you changing them?

 

I would pull the engine. If the rod bearings are making noise you really need to have the crank checked. New bearings won't last long if the crank needs ground.

 

engineboy asked the perfect question: why do you want to change them?

What are you really asking? What's going on?

 

There is a slight knock in the engine at a little above idle (@1,000-1,200). Checked the flywheel, nice and tight and no cracks. I hear the knock very loudly at a cold start but goes away in a split second.

 

Are you sure it's a rod knock. Sounds like it could be piston slap.

 

If it's already knocking then the damage has been done... wait untill it really fails and then pull the engine. At this point you don't know where the knock is... it could be a loose wrist pin and not a main/rod bearing at all.

Provided that the crank does not need to be ground you can change the rod bearings in the car. But in order to take the end caps off you need to pull the oil pan... in order to pull the oil pan you need to lift the engine... now you already have the engine half out anyway... might as well just pull it all together.