replace intermediate shaft bearing or not??

[53 willys]

I am freshing up my new 1.6TD before I transplant it into my 91 gli...I am wondering about the intermediate shaft bearings...
I read on here and it seems like everyone says replace them no matter what...when I talked to my machine shop they say they would not replace them unless they need it. they said if they mic out ok then why bother??
I dont know enough about the VW diesels myself...I want this engine to be worry free..but when I asked them about replacing them after they said 99% of the time they dont need replacing..I told my buddy Zukgod1 what they said and he told me I should have them replace them anyway......well I asked them again about the intermediate shaft bearing and they really seemed like they did not want me to or need to replace them...he had not actually miced them out to see yet...but now I am worried that they dont have the tooling to replace them or something??
it just seems weird the machine shop I took it to ONLY works on VW's and Audi's they say "why replace just to replace"...everyone on this VW diesel forums say just replace them....
what should I do??

also whats the word on main shaft bearings and connecting rod bearings?? what brand should I get??
I thought I read that if I get the wrong brand my engine wont last but a few months???


thanks for any help or advice you guys have!
I am a worry wort and I just want to make sure this engine is ready to go for many many years and miles....
thanks

[subsonic]

The best answer is................







If it fails and needs to be replaced, you need to pull your engine to do it.  Much easier to do it now while it is out.

[subsonic]

Here is a good read on the IM shaft and bearings:

http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=10633

[burnt_servo]

find another machine shop ... seriously .  

how much time are they going to bill you  to check the clearances ?

the intermediate shaft bearing is something that should be replaced regardless , everytime  the engine is apart .

[zukgod1]

find another machine shop ... seriously .  

how much time are they going to bill you  to check the clearances ?

the intermediate shaft bearing is something that should be replaced regardless , everytime  the engine is apart .

Exactly!!!

[Spulen81]

The bearings are $20 and installation is very cheap. I just had this done on a vw block and I think it was $10 or $15 for installation at the machine shop.  Its just like installing cam bearings in a domestic engine but easier.  Also if you have the block hot tanked you pretty much have to replace them.

[fatmobile]

Some I-shaft bearings are ream to fit.
 I like clevite brand, not to big not too small.
 No point repeating everything I posted in the link inside the link subsonic posted.

[53 willys]

ok thanks for all the help guys!!!
I am gonna go get my block in the morning and take it ti a better machine shop...I just dont have a very good feeling about these jokers.
so much for the thought that a ALL VW machine shop would be best!  

[burn_your_money]

Also if you have the block hot tanked you pretty much have to replace them.

That is good to know, thank you

[53 willys]

*UPDATE*
i just called my normal machine shop to ask their advice about all this..he basically told me that the shop I took it to does good work and that he knows they can and do have the tools to replace the intermediate bearings. I asked him if I should go get the block and take it to him and he actually said I should just leave it with them and let them do it..But he did tell me to tell them to change the bearings no matter what. he also told me that they(the shop I took it to) does not have a acid hot tank and that as long as the tank is not a acid tank that the bearings can be reused. so now I feel alot better about this whole thing!  I am just going to have them keep it and replace the bearings...my shop has nothing to gain from this so I trust them when they say these other guys do a good job on VW stuff.
thanks to all you have helped so far
as for why he tried to talk me out of replacing them to begin with?? I dont really know? I did not push the issue with him I just figured he would know more about it then me..maybe they are just a REAL honest shop and dont want me to have to spend more then I need to??

Also if you have the block hot tanked you pretty much have to replace them.

so this is not true if the hot tank is aluminum safe and not an acid hot tank.

[zukgod1]

Well that's good news. At least you will have less wait time now.