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L99 Connecting Rod Bearing

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Old Jul 16, 2023 | 09:42 AM
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Question L99 Connecting Rod Bearing

Could someone please help what is the correct way to replace connecting rod bearings ? 2011 camaro ss 111K mileage.

2-3 month already I have knocking sound coming under the engine. At first I thought that the sound was coming from the lifters, but I went under the car and realized that it was coming from below.

This sound is not so loud and metal, but thud. Increasing RPM making increasing sound speed too ))

My diagnostic technician suggested that this looks like to the connection rod bearing sound.

Here are my questions ))

1) Can I replace rod bearings by removing oil pan ? Or engine removal is mandatory ?
2) Is it neccecary to replace Crankshaft Main Bearings ?
3) Can I use the STANDARD size of the connecting rod bearings or crankshaft need to be measured ?
-If I CAN'T use the standard size, what is the reference readings for the L99 crankshaft ? As I know, there must be a table with bearing sizes depending on crankshaft wear...
-If I CAN use the standard size, could you please advise, is this bearing set is good enough "MAHLE / CLEVITE CB663P8 P Series (Tri-Metal)" or "GM 89017573" is preferable ?
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Old Jul 16, 2023 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by PlymouthBarracuda
Could someone please help what is the correct way to replace connecting rod bearings ? 2011 camaro ss 111K mileage.

2-3 month already I have knocking sound coming under the engine. At first I thought that the sound was coming from the lifters, but I went under the car and realized that it was coming from below.

This sound is not so loud and metal, but thud. Increasing RPM making increasing sound speed too ))

My diagnostic technician suggested that this looks like to the connection rod bearing sound.

Here are my questions ))

1) Can I replace rod bearings by removing oil pan ? Or engine removal is mandatory ?
2) Is it neccecary to replace Crankshaft Main Bearings ?
3) Can I use the STANDARD size of the connecting rod bearings or crankshaft need to be measured ?
-If I CAN'T use the standard size, what is the reference readings for the L99 crankshaft ? As I know, there must be a table with bearing sizes depending on crankshaft wear...
-If I CAN use the standard size, could you please advise, is this bearing set is good enough "MAHLE / CLEVITE CB663P8 P Series (Tri-Metal)" or "GM 89017573" is preferable ?
If it’s a rod bearing gone south, your pulling the engine. Crank is toast as well as the rod itself. There will be metal throughout the engine, from the bearing and crank journal. Best way to tell if it truly is a bearing gone south, is pull the oil filter and cut it open to inspect the filter element for metal. That will tell you the whole story.
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Old Jul 17, 2023 | 12:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Che70velle
If it’s a rod bearing gone south, your pulling the engine. Crank is toast as well as the rod itself. There will be metal throughout the engine, from the bearing and crank journal. Best way to tell if it truly is a bearing gone south, is pull the oil filter and cut it open to inspect the filter element for metal. That will tell you the whole story.
I will check my old filter for metal but why it's impossible to replace rod bearings from oil pan side without pulling the engine ?
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Old Jul 17, 2023 | 12:51 AM
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Originally Posted by PlymouthBarracuda
I will check my old filter for metal but why it's impossible to replace rod bearings from oil pan side without pulling the engine ?
That's not the point! You have metal bits going throughout the engine from the bearing(s) taking a ****.
THIS is why a teardown is totally needed.
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Old Jul 17, 2023 | 06:40 AM
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Agree on pulling the engine to get it inspected everywhere. A complete overhaul due to likelyness of metal particles circulation through the oil. Have you seen any metallic glitter on your oil changes? How is your oil pressure?

I've seen videos of people replacing one rod bearing with engine still in the vehicle. It seems very awkward to do though. That would be more like a bandaid solution. Crank bearings you definitely need to pull the engine.



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Old Jul 17, 2023 | 07:50 AM
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Dear all, could you please be so kind and listen to my engine. The knock is not so loud, so phone's camera couldn't catch it well. But anyway, in the headphones you could advise me something... Is it rod knock, lifters ticking or my own glitch ??


Video made up from the several fragments:
-210F, idle, 20 psi oil pressure;
-1200 - 1500 RPM;
-The same idle from behind the left wheel;
-Gauges readings after fully heat-up (OIL TEMP UBNORMAL HIGH??);
-250F, idle, 14 psi oil pressure.

While driving from 30 mph and up oil pressure is 30+ psi.
Oil filter (ACDELCO UPF48R) was cutted and found no metal signs.
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Old Jul 17, 2023 | 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by strutaeng
Agree on pulling the engine to get it inspected everywhere. A complete overhaul due to likelyness of metal particles circulation through the oil. Have you seen any metallic glitter on your oil changes? How is your oil pressure?

I've seen videos of people replacing one rod bearing with engine still in the vehicle. It seems very awkward to do though. That would be more like a bandaid solution. Crank bearings you definitely need to pull the engine.
could you please listen to this one )
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Old Jul 20, 2023 | 09:48 AM
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IMO listening to a video, is still guessing. You are going to get the answer to your question by pulling the oil filter and cutting it open as has already been said.
IF the filter looks good, then I would pull the belt and swap the oil pressure sending unit and see what you have. It doesn't sound too bad to me, I'd say it's more of a lifter issue, but again if it's making metal, it doesn't matter where it is coming from, it needs to be fixed.
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Old Jul 21, 2023 | 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by rpturbo
IMO listening to a video, is still guessing. You are going to get the answer to your question by pulling the oil filter and cutting it open as has already been said.
IF the filter looks good, then I would pull the belt and swap the oil pressure sending unit and see what you have. It doesn't sound too bad to me, I'd say it's more of a lifter issue, but again if it's making metal, it doesn't matter where it is coming from, it needs to be fixed.
Filter is Good inside, I already cut it.
6 moth ago I pulled heads and cleaned lifters, please see attached. They all found good but after assembling engine in 2-3 weeks these "clicks" are came on.
Some of them had small scratches, but they can not be felt with a fingernail, normal wear and tear.

Lifters (Jan, 2023)
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