Crankshaft Main Bearing

2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5LSECTION Crankshaft Main Bearing










Main Bearing Cap




NOTE: Early build engine crankshaft main bearing cap bolt torque is different than late build engines. Although these parts are serviced in the same way, the torque has changed between early build and late build engines. The level of the engine can be determined by inspecting the engine code label. Early build engines are built with the engine code of (1S 342 AA or 1S 344 AA) and late build engines are built with engine code (1S 342 BA or 1S 344 BA).

NOTE: While tightening the main bearing vertical bolts, push the crankshaft forward and the No. 4 main bearing cap rearward to seat the crankshaft thrust washers.

Early built engines, tighten the main bearing bolts in the sequence shown in 2 stages.
Stage 1: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).
Stage 2: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional 90 degrees.







Early built engines, install the new 8 main bearing cap side bolts. Tighten in the sequence shown in 2 stages.
Stage 1: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).
Stage 2: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional 90 degrees.







NOTE: Early build engine crankshaft main bearing cap bolt torque is different than late build engines. Although these parts are serviced in the same way, the torque has changed between early build and late build engines. The level of the engine can be determined by inspecting the engine code label. Early build engines are built with the engine code of ((1S 342 AA or 1S 244 AA) and late build engines are built with engine code (1S 342 BA or 1S 344 BA).

NOTE: While tightening the main bearing vertical bolts, push the crankshaft forward and the No. 4 main bearing cap rearward to seat the crankshaft thrust washers.

Late built engines, tighten the main bearing bolts in the sequence shown in 2 stages.
Stage 1: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 to 33 Nm (24 lb-ft).
Stage 2: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional 135 degrees.







Late built engines, install the new 8 main bearing cap side bolts. Tighten in the sequence shown in 2 stages.
Stage 1: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 to 24 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Stage 2: Tighten fasteners 1 through 8 an additional 180 degrees.







Install the main bearing cap support brace and the new bolts. Tighten in the sequence shown in 2 steps.
Stage 1: Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
Stage 2: Tighten an additional 180 degrees.





RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.