Connecting Rod Bearing Selection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter. See Special Tools and Equipment .

The connecting rod bearings are of the precision insert type. The connecting rod bearings are available in standard and various undersize.

IMPORTANT: If crankshaft bearing failure is due to other than normal wear, investigate the cause. Inspect the crankshaft or connecting rod bearing bores.

Fig 1: Crankshaft

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Inspect the connecting rod bearing bores using the following procedure:
1. Tighten the bearing cap to specification.
2. Measure the bearing bore for taper and out-of-round.
3. No taper or out-of-round should exist.

Fig 2: Removing Connecting Rod Bolts

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IMPORTANT: The crankshaft and the lower crankcase assembly must be installed and properly torqued before measuring the connecting rod clearances.

Starting with the number one connecting rod, remove the connecting rod cap bolts.

Fig 3: Reinserting Connecting Rod Cap Bolts

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Remove the connecting rod cap by partially reinserting the connecting rod cap bolts into the connecting rod cap and wiggle the connecting rod cap left and right.

Fig 4: Laying Gaging Plastic

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Lay a piece of gaging plastic across the crankshaft number one connecting rod journal.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn the crankshaft while measuring the bearing clearance.

Carefully place the connecting rod cap onto the connecting rod.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Install the 2 connecting rod bearing cap bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft), then rotate 90 degrees using the J 36660-A . See Special Tools and Equipment .
After reaching the proper torque, remove the 2 crankshaft connecting rod bearing cap bolts.
Carefully remove the connecting rod cap from the connecting rod.

Fig 5: Measuring Gaging Plastic

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Measure the gaging plastic at its widest point.
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  Standard Oil Clearance: 0.028-0.052 mm (0.0011-0.0020 in)
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  Maximum Oil Clearance: 0.08 mm (0.0031 in)

Fig 6: Standard Bearings

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If using a standard bearing, replace it with one having the same number. There are 3 sizes of standard bearings.