Connecting Rod Bearing: Service and Repair

Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter
- J 42098 Crank Hub TORX Socket
- J 41742 Connecting Rod Guide

Removal Procedure





1. Remove the engine oil baffle.
2. Remove the spark plug(s) from the cylinder(s) that is being serviced.
3. Use the J 42098 to rotate the crankshaft.
4. Position the connecting rod that is being serviced to Bottom Dead Center (BDC).
5. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
6. Remove the connecting rod cap and the lower connecting rod bearing.

Notice: The mating surfaces of the connecting rods and the connecting rod bearing caps form an individual fit and as a result must not be damaged or replaced under any circumstances. To avoid damage, do not lay the connecting rod bearing caps on the connecting rod bearing mating surface.

Important: Clean the connecting rod journal and the connecting rod bearing shell and lubricate slightly with clean engine oil. This is necessary to prevent the plastic thread of the plastic gage from tearing when the connecting rod cap is removed.

7. Install a strip of plastic thread to the connecting rod journal.
8. Install the connecting rod cap with the connecting rod bearing to the connecting rod.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

9. The connecting rod bolts can be reused for checking the connecting rod bearing clearance.
Install the connecting rod cap bolts to the connecting rods.
Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
10. Use the J 36660-A to rotate the connecting rod bolts in the following sequence:
10.1. On the first pass rotate the connecting rod cap bolts to 45 degrees.
10.2. On the second pass (final pass) rotate the connecting rod cap bolts to 45 degrees.
11. Remove the connecting rod bolts and the connecting rod bearing cap.
12. Compare the width of the flattened plastic thread with the scale on the plastic gage package. Permissible connecting rod bearing clearance is 0.010 - 0.061 mm (0.0004 - 0.0024 inch) clearance.





13. Install the J 41742 to the connecting rod.
14. Use the J 41742 to push up the connecting rod and the piston to access the upper connecting rod bearing.
15. Remove the upper connecting rod bearing.

Installation Procedure

Notice: Do not scrape, shim, or file bearing inserts. If the bearing surface of the insert is touched with bare fingers, the skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

Important: Make sure that the connecting rod cap bolt holes and the connecting rod cap mating surfaces are clean and dry.





1. Lubricate the connecting rod bearing journals with clean engine oil.
2. Install the upper connecting rod bearing.





3. Use the J 41742 to pull down the connecting rod and the piston to the crankshaft journal.
4. Remove the J 41742 from the connecting rod.





5. Install the connecting rod cap with the connecting rod bearing to the connecting rod.
6. Install the new connecting rod cap bolts to the connecting rods.
Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
7. Use the J 36660-A to rotate the connecting rod bolts in the following sequence:
7.1. On the first pass rotate the connecting rod cap bolts to 45 degrees.
7.2. On the second pass (final pass) rotate the connecting rod cap bolts to 45 degrees.
8. Install the spark plug(s) to the cylinder(s) that was serviced.
9. Install the engine oil baffle.