Crankcase for an internal combustion engine

Engine housing (1) comprises at least one thrust bearing (2, 2') for a shaft which extends between two opposite-lying housing walls (3, 3'). The housing walls are reinforced by a connecting element (4, 4') in the direction of the thrust bearing. The engine housing is made of a material having a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the connecting element. Preferred Features: The engine housing is made of a light metal. The connecting element is made of a steel, plastic or sinter material. The shaft is a crankshaft.