1999 Ford Escort timing belt

It is most likely not the crank it self but the THRUST BEARING. Witch is one of the crank bearings in the engine. As the name inplyes the thrust bearing limits the amount of movement foward and backward in the engine block. The only problem is you would or should rebuild the engine at this piont due to the fact that if you are changing the crank bearings you will need to have the crank polished or reground and chane the piston rod bearings at the same time. At this piont you will need to repace the rear main seal and front seal. At this piont you will have at least half of what it would cost to replace the whole engine with a rebuilt one or just replace it with a used one from a wreaking yard. Good luck with how ever you decide to go.