Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Standard Procedure - Connecting Rod - Fitting
There are three different sizes of rod bearings available. Connecting rod bearing identification (4) can be found on the nose of the crankshaft (3). Use the table below for proper bearing selection.
| CRANKSHAFT PIN DIAMETER GRADE | CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLASSIFICATION | CONNECTING ROD BEARING THICKNESS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 (Black) | -3 Micron (-.003 mm.) |
| 2 | 2 (No Color) | Standard |
| 3 | 3 (Green) | +3 Micron (+.003 mm.) |
- For measuring connecting rod bearing clearance procedure and use of Plastigage. Refer to MEASURING BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE
. For bearing clearance. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS
.NOTE:
The rod bolts should not be reused.
- Before installing the NEW rod bolts the threads and under the bolt head should be oiled with clean engine oil.
- Install each bolt finger tight then alternately torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
- Tighten the connecting rod bolts using the 2 step torque-turn method. Tighten according to the following values:CAUTION:
Do not use a torque wrench for the second step.
- Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 90°.
- Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.