its been too long since i been on! wish it was under better circumstances haha. So my 96xj has recently developed a bottom end knock. pulling spark plugs does not quiet the knock, and when i rev it, the knock does not become overly obnoxious, it will accelerate with the motor. Im thinking either main bearing or rod bearing. the knock is not awful, but worriesome. before i start pull the oil pan off to check for play in the rods, i was curious what all i can replace if anything without pulling the motor.

 

I think I remember my dad saying he (or someone he knew) rebuilt one in the vehicle.So yes,it's possible but probably not easier.

 

If your going to be replacing the rod bearings, you might as well replace the rings as well while your in there. I'd say you can replace them without pulling the motor, however pulling the motor would make it a hell of a lot easier on you. You can pull the motor with a sturdy tree and a chain hoist, and get a engine stand from harbor freight for 30 bucks (however be careful, 3 legged engine stands fall over pretty easily.. ask me how i know). Just my 2 cents

 

i did rebuilt a engine today without pulling it out. its a lot easier and faster that way

 

I agree that you can change bearings in the vehicle, they do it all the time in big diesels. The only thing I wonder about is pulling the oil pan and room to work on it. Also, if a bearing went out more than likely you will need to turn the crank to smooth out the bearing surfaces. I agree that it would be a whole lot easier if you pulled the motor, should take an hour or so is all. I do recommend using masking tape to label all the stuff you have to disconect. Trust me it makes it a lot easier and no beating your head against the wall. I'[ve been there and done that! I would also slap a set of rings in there while you have it out IMHO.

 

Wait just a minute. Pulling the plug wires doesn't change the knock? Then it ain't the rod bearings!!

Automatic trans?

 

Yup, he is right. What is your oil pressure after temperature reaches normal? How many miles? Is it louder when you first crank it up after sitting overnight?

 

$10 says you'll find a piston skirt in your oil pan.

 

10 bucks he has loose torque converter bolts or a cracked flexplate.

 

That's what I'm thinking given that the noise doesn't go away with spark plug wire removal. But everyone is happy to chime in with tips on changing the bearings.........

OP, check this out:


https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

 

He asked if he could change them with the motor in the XJ.

We just answered his Q.Read the post.

 

Ugh.

 

Yes he did ask that. AFTER giving a list of symptoms and some diagnostics that were done that are not indicative of bearing failure, but of some other issue.

 

Let me offer a scenario:

You go to a group of people and complain that you have pain in your arm. Relaxing the arm and taking a load off doesn't help. You ask what to do.

People chime in about surgery. Surgery is the answer to the chronic pain in your arm.

Another person chimes in, and suggests the problem is in fact in your wrist, and often times requires no surgery. Sure enough, a pinched nerve in your wrist is causing the pain. Applying pressure and massaging the area releases the nerve, and all is better.

Now, despite you asking how your arm could be fixed, someone offered another solution. Which one would you prefer? If you go by your post, you would have been in the OR.

 

Agreed, I'm thinking along the lines of a wrist pin or loose torque converter bolts which was mentioned earlier.