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.
2003 Kia Sorento V6-3.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Connecting Rod, Engine
SPECIFICATIONS
Connecting rod
Piston pin press - in load 7500 - 17,500 N (750 - 1,750 kg, 1,653 - 3,858 lbs.)
Side clearance (Big end) 0.10 - 0.25 mm (0.0039 - 0.0098 inch)
Bend 0.05 mm or less/100 mm (0.0020 inch or less/3.937 inch)
Twist 0.1 mm or less/100 mm (0.0039 inch or less/3.937 inch)
Bearing
Oil clearance
Standard 0.022 - 0.040 mm (0.0009 - 0.0016 inch)
Limit 0.1 mm (0.004 inch)
Pin diameter 21.974 - 21.985 mm (0.8651 - 0.8655 inch)
TIGHTENING TORQUE
Connecting rod nuts 35 + 92° 350 + 92°, 26 + 92 ft. lbs.)
Connecting rod
Piston pin press - in load 7500 - 17,500 N (750 - 1,750 kg, 1,653 - 3,858 lbs.)
Side clearance (Big end) 0.10 - 0.25 mm (0.0039 - 0.0098 inch)
Bend 0.05 mm or less/100 mm (0.0020 inch or less/3.937 inch)
Twist 0.1 mm or less/100 mm (0.0039 inch or less/3.937 inch)
Bearing
Oil clearance
Standard 0.022 - 0.040 mm (0.0009 - 0.0016 inch)
Limit 0.1 mm (0.004 inch)
Pin diameter 21.974 - 21.985 mm (0.8651 - 0.8655 inch)
TIGHTENING TORQUE
Connecting rod nuts 35 + 92° 350 + 92°, 26 + 92 ft. lbs.)
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no 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.