Connecting Rod - Fitting

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Locating Connecting Rod Bearing Identification

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

There are three different sizes of rod bearings available. Connecting rod bearing identification (4) can be found on the nose of the crankshaft (3). Use the CONNECTING ROD BEARING SELECTION table for proper bearing selection.

CONNECTING ROD BEARING SELECTION

CRANKSHAFT PIN DIAMETER GRADE	DIMENSION	CONNECTING ROD BEARING CLASSIFICATION	CONNECTING ROD BEARING DIMENSION
1	48 mm	1 (Black)	1.5 mm
2	48 mm	2 (No Color)	1.5 mm
3	48 mm	3 (Green)	1.5 mm

Fig 2: Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Using Plastigage

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

For information on measuring connecting rod bearing clearance using Plastigage, see MEASURING BEARING CLEARANCE USING PLASTIGAGE . For bearing clearance, refer to Engine - Specifications .
NOTE: The rod bolts should not be reused.
Before installing the NEW rod bolts the threads and under the bolt head should be oiled with clean engine oil.
Install each bolt finger tight then alternately torque each bolt to assemble the cap properly.
Tighten the connecting rod bolts using the 2 step torque-turn method. Tighten according to the following values:
CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for the second step.
1. Tighten the bolts to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.).
2. Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 90°.
Fig 3: Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance Using Feeler Gauge
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance. For clearance specifications, see Engine - Specifications .