Connecting Rod Measurement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean the connecting rods in solvent and dry with compressed air.
Inspect the connecting rods for the following:
- Signs of being twisted, bent, nicked, or cracked.
- Scratches or abrasion on the rod bearing seating surface.

Fig 1: Inspecting Connecting Rods For Twisting

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

If the connecting rod bores contain minor scratches or abrasions, clean the bores in a circular direction with a light emery paper. DO NOT scrape the rod or rod cap.
Measure the piston pin to connecting rod bore using the following procedure:
1. 4.1. Using an outside micrometer, take two measurements of the piston pin in the area of the connecting rod contact.
2. 4.2. Using an inside micrometer, measure the connecting rod piston pin bore.
3. 4.3. Subtract the piston pin bore diameter from the piston pin diameter.
4. 4.4. The interference fit should not be less than 0.021 mm (0.00081 in).
If there is not a great enough interference fit, replace the piston pin.