Connecting Rod Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 22 other vehicles, including the 2009 Mazda B2300, 2009 Mazda 5, 2008 Mazda Tribute, 2008 Mazda B2300, and 2008 Mazda 5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

The piston, piston ring and connecting rod cannot be disassembled.
When replacing the piston, piston pin, piston ring and connecting rod, replace them together as a single unit.

Install the connecting rod cap. (See CONNECTING ROD CAP ASSEMBLY NOTE .)
Measure the connecting rod large end side clearance.
- If it exceeds the specification, replace the piston, piston pin, piston ring and connecting rod as a single unit.
Standard Clearance
1. 0.14-0.36 mm {0.0056-0.0141 in}
Maximum Clearance
1. 0.435 mm {0.0172 in}
  
  Fig 1: Measuring Connecting Rod Large End Side Clearance
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the connecting rod cap.
Position plastigage atop the journals in the axial direction.
Install the connecting rod bearing and connecting rod cap. (See CONNECTING ROD CAP ASSEMBLY NOTE .)
Remove the connecting rod cap.
Measure the connecting rod oil clearance.
- If it exceeds the specification, replace the connecting rod bearing or grind the crank pin and use oversize bearings so that the specified clearance is obtained.
Standard Clearance
1. 0.026-0.052 mm {0.0011-0.0020 in}
Maximum Clearance
1. 0.10 mm {0.0039 in}
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Connecting Rod Oil Clearance (Plastigage)
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
  
  Fig 3: Connecting Rod Bearing Specifications
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.