How Much Does It Cost to Replace Crankshaft Bearings?

Expect to pay about $1,500–$4,000 in the U.S. to replace crankshaft bearings if the engine is otherwise rebuildable, with costs rising to $3,500–$9,000+ if a full rebuild or remanufactured long block is needed. Bearings themselves are inexpensive ($80–$300), but labor (typically 15–30 hours at $120–$200 per hour) and potential machining or crankshaft replacement drive the total. Prices vary by vehicle, engine type, region, and damage severity.

What Crankshaft Bearings Do—and Why Replacement Is Costly

Crankshaft main and rod bearings support and lubricate the crankshaft as it spins, maintaining oil film clearances measured in thousandths of an inch. When they wear out or fail—often from oil starvation, contamination, or overloading—the result can be low oil pressure and a knocking noise that quickly escalates to catastrophic engine damage. Replacing them usually requires engine removal and bottom-end disassembly, which is why labor and machine work dominate the bill.

Typical Cost Ranges by Scenario

The total depends on whether the crankshaft is reusable, the engine layout, and shop approach. Below are realistic ranges U.S. owners are seeing in 2024–2025.

• Bearings-only bottom-end refresh (crank OK, no major machine work): $1,500–$3,000
• Bearings plus crank polish/grind and align hone: $2,000–$4,000
• Bearings plus new/reman crankshaft: $2,500–$5,000
• Complete engine rebuild with bearings (typical non-luxury 4-cyl/V6): $3,500–$7,500
• Remanufactured long block installed (warranty option): 4-cyl $3,500–$6,500; V6 $4,500–$8,000; V8/truck/SUV $5,500–$11,000; luxury/performance $8,000–$15,000+
• In-frame bearing swap (rare, older/simple engines, minimal machine work): $800–$1,800, but not common or recommended on modern engines

Most modern vehicles will fall into the middle ranges because shops prefer to ensure proper clearances and reliability rather than install bearings alone on a questionable crank or block.

Cost Breakdown: Where the Money Goes

Here’s how a typical estimate stacks up when bearings are replaced properly.

• Bearings (main, rod, thrust): $80–$300
• Gaskets, seals, bolts, fluids, filter: $200–$500
• Crankshaft polish: $60–$150; grind: $150–$350; weld/repair if needed: $200–$400
• Block services (hot tank/clean, measure, align hone if required): $150–$500
• Crankshaft replacement (if damaged beyond spec): aftermarket/reman $300–$800; OEM $400–$1,500+
• Labor for R&R engine and bottom-end work: 15–30 hours typical
• Labor rates: $120–$180/hr independent, $180–$220/hr dealer in many metro areas

Because parts are relatively cheap, machining decisions and labor hours determine whether a job lands near the low or high end of the range.

Key Factors That Affect Your Final Price

Several variables can push a crankshaft bearing job higher or lower.

• Engine design: Transverse FWD V6/V8 is often more labor-intensive than a simple RWD inline-4
• Extent of damage: Spun bearings, scored journals, and metal debris can necessitate a crank grind or full rebuild
• Shop approach: Some independents will attempt a bearings-only fix; many prefer a reman long block with warranty
• Labor market: Big-city dealer rates versus rural independents can differ by $60–$100 per hour
• Parts availability: OEM-only cranks on newer turbo engines or luxury models may be costly or back-ordered
• Mileage and maintenance history: High-mile engines with sludge or oil starvation signs often need broader repairs
• Warranty considerations: Reman engines typically come with 2–3 years/100,000 miles, which influences value

Understanding these inputs helps explain why estimates can vary widely even for similar vehicles.

Symptoms You Need Crankshaft Bearings—and What to Do

If you suspect bearing failure, quick decisions can limit damage.

• Deep knocking that rises with RPM, especially on light throttle
• Low oil pressure light at idle or across the rev range
• Metallic glitter in oil/filter or a sudden increase in bearing material
• Oil starvation events (track days, towing, hard cornering, low oil level) preceding the noise
• Check engine light with misfire/knock sensor codes accompanied by mechanical noise

If you hear a knock, stop driving and have the vehicle towed. Continuing to run the engine can turn a $2,500 repair into a $7,000+ replacement.

Can Bearings Be Replaced Without a Full Rebuild?

Sometimes—but it’s the exception on modern engines. In-frame bearing swaps were common on older, simpler pushrod engines with generous clearances. Today’s tight-tolerance aluminum blocks, bedplates, and ladder frames usually require engine removal, measuring, and machine work to ensure proper oil clearances and longevity.

Below are conditions under which a bearings-only job might be considered.

• No spun bearings and journals measure within spec after polish
• Good oil pressure history with no sludge or debris throughout the engine
• Lower-end access without full engine removal (rare)
• Owner accepts limited warranty and risk compared to a reman long block

If any journal is out of round, the block is misaligned, or debris circulated widely, a full rebuild or reman engine is the safer path.

Real-World Estimate Examples

These illustrative ranges reflect common U.S. market pricing in 2024–2025; always get quotes specific to your VIN and zip code.

• Compact 4-cylinder (Civic/Corolla class): bearings + crank polish $1,800–$3,000; reman long block installed $3,800–$6,000
• Mid-size V6 (Camry/Accord/Explorer): bearings + machine work $2,200–$4,000; reman long block $4,800–$8,000
• Half-ton truck V8 (F-150/Silverado/Ram): bearings + crank service $2,500–$4,500; reman long block $6,000–$10,500
• Luxury/performance turbo engines (BMW, Audi, AMG, M/RS): bearings + machine work $3,500–$6,000; reman/used engine $8,000–$15,000+

Parts availability, specialty tooling, and warranty expectations often make the reman route more economical long-term on complex or premium engines.

Timing and Warranty

Plan for 3–7 shop days for bearings and machine work if parts and machining are readily available; 1–2 weeks is common. Reman engines can be quicker if in stock. Rebuild warranties vary; reman long blocks frequently include 2–3 years or up to 100,000 miles, while bearings-only jobs may carry a limited parts-and-labor warranty.

Summary

Replacing crankshaft bearings typically costs $1,500–$4,000 when the crank and block are salvageable, but many jobs escalate to $3,500–$9,000+ when machining, a new crank, or a remanufactured long block is needed. Because the parts are cheap and the labor is high, getting two or three detailed estimates—ideally comparing a bearings-only repair versus a reman long block with warranty—will help you choose the best value for your vehicle and how long you plan to keep it.

What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft bearing?

Symptoms of worn crankshaft bearings include a persistent knocking sound that increases with engine speed, low engine oil pressure, visible metal shavings (copper or silver) in the engine oil, and noticeable engine vibration or a rough engine idle. Other signs can be difficulty starting the engine, reduced engine performance, or the engine overheating.
 
Common Symptoms

• Engine Knocking or Tapping Noises: Opens in new tabA loud, metallic knocking or tapping sound, often called “rod knock,” is a classic sign. The noise gets louder and more frequent as you increase engine RPM. 
• Low Oil Pressure: Opens in new tabWorn bearings create excessive clearance, allowing oil to leak internally and reducing overall oil pressure, which can trigger the oil pressure warning light. 
• Metal Shavings in the Oil: Opens in new tabInspect the engine oil for shiny, dust-like metal particles or a copper sheen. Copper indicates a severely worn bearing, while silver suggests general material wear. 
• Engine Vibration: Opens in new tabAs the bearings wear, the crankshaft becomes unbalanced and can’t be supported properly, leading to increased engine vibration. 
• Rough or Uneven Engine Idle: Opens in new tabThe engine may run roughly, with a tendency to shake or stall due to the imbalance. 

Less Common Symptoms

• Engine Overheating: Excessive friction from worn bearings can generate more heat, leading to engine overheating. 
• Difficulty Starting: Increased friction and improper timing can make the engine difficult to start or cause it to crank at an abnormal speed. 
• Sluggish or Nonresponsive Engine: Worn bearings can lead to reduced compression and other issues, making the engine feel sluggish or unresponsive. 

What to Do

• Check the Oil: Opens in new tabLook for metal shavings or discoloration on the dipstick or in the oil filter. 
• Listen to the Engine: Opens in new tabPay attention to any new or unusual knocking, tapping, or rumbling sounds, especially when increasing engine speed. 
• Monitor Oil Pressure: Opens in new tabIf the oil pressure light comes on, it’s a serious sign of a potential bearing failure. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to avoid more severe engine damage, such as a seized crankshaft.

Is it worth fixing a crankshaft?

Crankshafts are precision components, and mistakes can lead to engine failure. If you’re skilled in engine repair and follow exact specifications, it’s possible — but for most people, professional repair or replacement is the safer option.

How much to replace a crankshaft bearing?

Crankshaft repair typically involves regrinding the crankshaft and replacing the bearings, which can cost between $500 and $1,000.

Is a crankshaft hard to replace?

Replacing a crankshaft is an extremely difficult and complex task, generally considered an advanced job requiring specialized tools, precision, and a complete engine rebuild or significant engine disassembly. The process involves removing the engine from the vehicle, dismantling most of its components to access the crankshaft, and then reassembling everything with new parts and careful measurements. For most people, it is far more practical and often cheaper to buy a rebuilt engine rather than attempt a crankshaft replacement. 
Why it’s so difficult:

• Engine Removal: You usually need to remove the entire engine from the vehicle to properly disassemble and work on it. 
• Complex Disassembly: A vast number of components must be removed, including the transmission, timing components, oil pan, oil pump, pistons, and connecting rods. 
• Precision and Specialized Tools: The crankshaft and related components must be handled and installed with extreme precision. You’ll need tools for measuring, precise torquing, and handling delicate parts. 
• Balancing and Measurements: A new crankshaft requires precise balancing, and the engine block’s bearing journals must be measured to ensure the correct fit with new bearings and the crankshaft. 
• Comprehensive Rebuild: Once the crankshaft is replaced, it essentially becomes a full engine rebuild, requiring replacement of piston rings, seals, and all other related parts to ensure proper operation and longevity. 

When to Consider a Professional: 

• If you’re not an experienced mechanic with specialized tools, it’s best to take the vehicle to a reputable shop.
• In many cases, especially for older or less valuable vehicles, purchasing and installing a fully rebuilt engine can be a more cost-effective and reliable solution than replacing the crankshaft yourself.