Connecting Rod

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Replace the connecting rod, if the large or small end thrust surface is damaged.
Check for bend or twist using a connecting rod aligner. Replace the connecting rod if the bend or twist exceeds the limit.
Limit of bend or twist per 100 mm (3.94 in) in length:

0.10 mm (0.0039 in)

Fig 1: Checking Connecting Rod For Bend And Twist Using Connecting Rod Aligner
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Install the connecting rod with bearings attached to the crankshaft, and using a thickness gauge, measure the thrust clearance. If the thrust clearance exceeds the standard or uneven wear is found, replace the connecting rod.
Connecting rod thrust clearance:

Standard

0.070 - 0.330 mm (0.0028 - 0.0130 in)

Fig 2: Measuring Thrust Clearance Using Thickness Gauge
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Inspect the connecting rod bearing for scar, peeling, seizure, melting, wear, etc.

Measure the oil clearance on each connecting rod bearing using plastigauge. If any oil clearance is not within the standard, replace the defective bearing with a new part of standard size or undersize as necessary.

Connecting rod oil clearance:

Standard

0.017 - 0.045 mm (0.0007 - 0.0018 in)

CONNECTING ROD OIL CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS CHART

Unit: mm (in)
Bearing	Bearing size (Thickness at center)	Outer diameter of crank pin
Standard	1.490 - 1.506 (0.0587 - 0.0593)	51.976 - 52.000 (2.0463 - 2.0472)
0.03(0.0012) Undersize	1.504 - 1.512 (0.0592 - 0.0595)	51.954 - 51.970 (2.0454 - 2.0461)
0.05 (0.0020) Undersize	1.514 - 1.522 (0.0596 - 0.0599)	51.934 - 51.950 (2.0447 - 2.0453)
0.25 (0.0098) Undersize	1.614 - 1.622 (0.0635 - 0.0639)	51.734 - 51.750 (2.0368 - 2.0374)

Inspect the bushing at connecting rod small end, and replace with a new part if worn or damaged.
Measure the piston pin clearance at connecting rod small end. If the measured value is not within the standard, replace it with a new part.
Clearance between piston pin and bushing:

Standard

0 - 0.022 mm (0 - 0.0009 in)

Fig 3: Measuring Piston Pin Clearance At Connecting Rod Small End
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Checking Clearance Between Piston Pin And Bushing
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
The replacement procedure for the connecting rod small end bushing is as follows.
1. Remove the bushing from connecting rod with ST and press.
2. Press the bushing with the ST after applying oil on the periphery of new bushing.
  ST 499037100 CONNECTING ROD BUSHING REMOVER AND INSTALLER
  
  Fig 5: Pressing Bushing Using Connecting Rod Bushing Remover And Installer
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
3. Make two 3 mm (0.12 in) holes in the pressed bushing to match the pre-manufactured holes on the connecting rod, then ream the inside of the bushing.
4. After completion of reaming, clean the bushing to remove chips.