Bottom End Bearing

ok so i have a sneaking suspicion that my bottom end bearing is on its way out, IF it is but isnt completely gone what are the options for fixing this? and what price range am i looking at?

 

if you refering the engine bearing, you will need to pull the motor and strip it right down, for a work shop to do it for you I would sa $4000 minimum, what makes you think your bottom end is going ?

 

I've seen main bearings changed with the engine still in the car.

 

rattling, starts just after the harmonic stage of revs, mostly prominent on deceleration... took it to mechanics a week ago but the stupid POS refrained from making the noise while i was there grrrr... i dunno ill have to get someone else to have a listen but it seems to be bad news imo

 

is there any beginner way to check if it is i dont know much about mechanics, im probably gonna have it up on stands or ramps this weekend

 

Normally bottom end bearings, (main bearings or big-end) knock rather than rattle, particularly when pulling hard at low revs. If your's is rattling on deceleration I'd be surprised if it's bottom end. Suggest you get a long screwdriver or bar, place one end against various parts of the engine and put your ear to the other end. That will help to identify the location of the noise. Watch out for the fan and belts though, don't stick the bar near there. Failing that, suggest you go to a good mechanic for his opinion.

 

As RZ says +

Could be worn VVT gears, a/c idler pulley ... ?

 

would that coincide with the fact that my belts are squeeling when above minimal currents are drawn and that i am a bit overdue for major service

 

hmm could be a idler pulley ?

 

yeh well as said im gonna have it up on ramps this weekend changing most of the belts, unsure what im gonna do about timing assembly, very very most likely will not tackle that myself, but other than that shall see how i go...

 

A simple way is to check if your bottom end bearings are flogging them self out is to change the oil and look for metal in the oil. Since the bearings are white metal they are non-magnetic so you cna use a magnet. However if they are really bad you might pickup the metal from the crankshaft.
However, the beat way is to daring you oil from you sump into a clean container. Then using a coffe filter strain the oil. It will take a while, but you will end up with a slug of particles. if there mass is bigger than a 5 cent peice you have troubles.
IF that method is not for you. try changing you oil grade to some thicker mineral oil based stuff, 20/50w is ideal. try repeating the rattling sound if it is gone. Well then its you bearings. However if it is there it is something else.
Also, what is more likely is that you crank pulley/harmonic balancer is loose. Or, the key way has flogged out. to check this you check the timing. Check the timing and rev the engine up and down a few times. The timing should change as it is adjusted by the ECU, but if it is goes out pass the scale attached on the timing cover then it is your crank pulley.
Good luck let us know how you go.

 

THANK GOD, Barry down at AZC said he would put his money on cam springs/gears