Caution! The crankshaft can only be removed from the engine that has been removed from the vehicle. Also, it is necessary to remove the flywheel, vibration damper, toothed belt, oil pan, oil receiver pipe with mesh filter, oil pump, pistons and connecting rods, and the rear cover of the crankshaft.
1. Before removing the crankshaft, measure its axial play using a dial indicator.
2. Move the crankshaft back to the stop and set the dial indicator to 0. Then move the crankshaft forward to the stop and record the indicator readings. If the axial clearance is greater than the permissible limit, check the crankshaft surfaces adjacent to the thrust half rings for wear. If wear is not detected, replace only the thrust half rings.
3. The crankshaft axial play can also be measured using feeler gauge blades.
4. Mark the main bearing caps.
5. Gradually and consistently unscrew the main bearing cap mounting bolts. On the 3VZ-FE V6 engine, the main bearing caps are made as a single block. On the 1MZ-FE V6 engine, the main bearing cap block mounting bolts are installed on the sides of the block.
6. Remove the crankshaft from the engine block.