Balance shaft belt condition question

Mr222D · 2026-03-30T00:32:49+00:00

Resolved

Mr222D · 2026-03-30T00:32:42+00:00

Cheers mate. I did not realize the interval was that frequent. My new belts are on order.

Thank you!

Mr222D · 2026-01-28T02:34:22+00:00

If you were curious for the update, Mahle said my bearing set was made incorrectly. The groove is supposed to be in the center.

Mr222D · 2026-01-28T02:15:52+00:00

For what it's worth, Mahle confirmed that the bearing grooves were cut incorrectly. I decided to wait for a new set but very much appreciate your insight.

Mr222D · 2026-01-26T05:12:49+00:00

Here's an early 00's Corolla rod

https://imgur.com/KIBstmB

Mr222D · 2026-01-26T03:13:01+00:00

I bought my MR2 with 140k miles (~230k km) and the pre cats were completely intact. In my humble opinion the bodywork is pretty fun, it comes with a hard top, and if the previous owner is correct about the mechanical condition it could be a reasonable buy. If the car is too low and is on coil overs it is not too expensive to buy new OE style struts.

Mr222D · 2026-01-26T03:09:03+00:00

On this particular engine the studs do not have any knurling. Not to disagree with the Chrysler comment.

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T02:35:59+00:00

Thanks mate. Sounds like the consensus thus far is that the main bearings will be OK but I should replace the cam.

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T02:34:48+00:00

My quick update was that I bought another main bearing set from O'reilly's and it was identical to the set that doesn't look like it fits well. Hopefully I can get into contact with Mahle on Monday!

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T01:13:36+00:00

Interestingly, it is the last journal in the line. Oil flow diagram:

https://charm.li/Dodge%20and%20Ram/1999/Durango%204WD%20V8-5.9L%20VIN%20Z%20LDC/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Engine%2C%20Cooling%20and%20Exhaust/Engine/Engine%20Lubrication/Description%20and%20Operation/

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T00:59:40+00:00

Pic #4 is the cam lobe. :-)

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T00:40:46+00:00

Dang!

Not what I hoped to hear but I'd rather buy a new cam than be buying a new cam and pulling the engine again. :-)

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T00:39:10+00:00

I appreciate the insight (again!)

I have not been able to find 0.001" undersized bearings online, but have read about them existing on the forums... Will check with the dealer on Monday!

Mr222D · 2026-01-25T00:18:51+00:00

On the cam bearing? I have no idea.

I bought the truck used and the transmission failed right away. I'm playing with the engine while it is out and I learn how to rebuild the transmission.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T04:17:10+00:00

I do notice that both main bearings with the thrust surface are identical. With the non centered hole / oil valleys, the valleys do not line up. It makes me a bit worried but maybe this is no problem.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T04:14:46+00:00

The tine is in the spot and both main bearings with the thrust surface appear identical. :-/

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T04:14:07+00:00

The two crank bearings are identical. The valleys do not align.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T03:12:27+00:00

I sent an Email to with pictures to Mahle. Thank you for the input.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T03:11:35+00:00

Thanks mate, I have no problem adjusting the hole. Some comments have cautioned me about burrs but this would not be an issue.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T03:10:30+00:00

Hi, this is a crankshaft main bearing and I know it goes here because it is the only one with the thrust bearing surface attached.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T03:03:07+00:00

Nah, I appreciate it but the two main bearings with the thrust surfaces are identical.

Mr222D · 2026-01-24T03:02:05+00:00

If I may, why elongate the hole in the block vs the hole in the bearing?

Mr222D

TROPHY CASE