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.
Connecting Rod Bearing Selection Table
| Connecting rod mark | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ^ | b | c | ||
| Crank shaft pin journal mark | ^ | D (Yellow) | C (Green) | B (None) |
| b | C (Green) | B (None) | A (Black) | |
| c | B (None) | A (Black) | AA (Blue) | |
- 3. Check the connecting rods.
- When reinstalling, make sure that cylinder numbers put on the connecting rod and cap at disassembly match. When a new connecting rod is installed, make sure that the notches for holding the bearing in place are on the same side.
- Replace the connecting rod if it is damaged on the thrust faces at either end. Also if step wear or a severely rough surface of the inside diameter of the small end is apparent, the rod must be replaced as well.
- Using a connecting rod aligning tool, check the rod for bend and twist. If the measured value is close to the repair limit, correct the rod by a press. Any connecting rod that has been severely bent or distorted should be replaced.
Allowable bend of connecting rod: 0.05mm / 100mm (0.0020in / 3.94in ) or less
Allowable twist of connecting rod: 0.1mm / 100mm (0.0039in / 3.94in) or less
- 4. Check the crankshaft bearing oil clearance.
- To check main bearing-to-journal oil clearance, remove the main bearing caps and lower bearings.
- Clean each main journal and lower bearing with a clean shop towel.
- Place one strip of plastigage across each main journal.
- Reinstall the lower bearings and caps, then tighten the bolts.
Tightening torque:
53.9~58.8N.m (5.5~6.0kgf.m, 39.8~43.4lb-ft)
NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft. - Remove the cap and lower bearing again, and measure the widest part of the plastigage.
Standard oil clearance:
No.1, 2, 4, 5: 0.022~0.040mm (0.0009~0.0016in)
- If the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow, remove the upper and lower bearing and then install a new bearings with the same color mark. (Refer to
, CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING SELECTION TABLE )
Recheck the oil clearance.
CAUTION: Do not file, shim, or scrape the bearings or the cap to adjust clearance. - If the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect, try the next larger or smaller bearing. (Refer to
, CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARING SELECTION TABLE )
Recheck the oil clearance.
NOTE: If the proper clearance cannot be obtained by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings, replace the crankshaft and start over.
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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.