The finite element analysis of the fretting behavior between a cylinder block and a main bearing cap is presented. The stresses, relative fretting slip, fretting friction work parameter W and crack initiation location parameter G on the fretting contact surface of the cylinder block are obtained and analyzed. It shows that the fretting fatigue problem of the cylinder block can be quantitatively explained by W or G. The effects of pretightening force, friction factor and material combination of the cylinder block and the main bearing cap are studied. The computational results indicate that the fretting fatigue of the cylinder block can be allayed by increasing the elastic modulus of the cylinder block, but not by changing the other two factors.