Which tool is commonly used to torque main bearing caps?

A torque wrench is specifically designed to apply a precise amount of torque to fasteners, such as the bolts that secure main bearing caps in an engine. It allows the technician to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque settings, ensuring proper clamping force on the bearings and avoiding issues such as over-torquing or under-torquing.

Using a torque wrench is crucial in engine assembly because proper torque helps maintain the integrity and performance of the engine components. Excessive torque can lead to bearing failure, while insufficient torque may result in inadequate support and alignment of the bearings. Therefore, the torque wrench is the essential tool for this task, as it provides the necessary accuracy and control during the tightening process.