Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement

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The connecting rod bearings (1) can be serviced in-vehicle. They must be replaced one-at-a-time in order to prevent the pistons from contacting the valves. The connecting rod bearings are "select fit" to achieve proper oil clearances. Refer to BEARING(S), CONNECTING ROD, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to 3.6L
3. Remove the oil pan, oil pump pick-up and engine oil pump. Refer to REMOVAL 

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4. Remove the eight main bearing cap bolts from the windage tray in the sequence shown and remove the windage tray (1).

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   CAUTION:

   DO NOT use a number stamp or a punch to mark connecting rods or caps, as damage to connecting rods could occur.

   NOTE:

   Connecting rods and bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked before removing to ensure correct reassembly.

5. Mark connecting rod and bearing cap positions (1) using a permanent ink marker or scribe tool.

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   NOTE:

   Typical V6 engine configuration shown.

   CAUTION:

   Replace only one connecting rod bearing at a time while all other connecting rod bearing caps remain properly tightened. If all connecting rod bearing caps are removed, crankshaft rotation will result in valve or piston damage.

   CAUTION:

   Care must be taken not to damage the fractured rod and cap joint face surfaces, as engine damage may occur.

6. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts (5) and the connecting rod cap (4). Discard the cap bolts.
7. Remove the plastic guide plates (3) from the Guide Pins (special tool #8189, Guide Pins) (7) and install the Guide Pins to the connecting rod being removed.
   CAUTION:

   Care must be taken not to nick crankshaft journals, as engine damage may occur.

8. Rotate the crankshaft away from the connecting rod and remove the bearing shell.
9. Inspect the rods and bearings for abnormal wear patterns, scoring, grooving, fatigue, pitting and for metal or other foreign material imbedded in the lining. Refer to INSPECTION 
10. If required, check the connecting rod bearing clearances by the use of Plastigage or equivalent. Refer to CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE  .
11. If required, select and fit new bearings to the connecting rod. Refer to CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING 
12. Install the bearing shell (8) on the connecting rod with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the rod. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
13. Rotate the crankshaft while guiding the connecting rod into position over the rod journal.
    CAUTION:

    The connecting rod bolts must not be reused. Always replace the connecting rod bolts whenever they are loosened or removed.

14. Install the bearing shell (6) on the connecting rod cap (4) with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the cap. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
    NOTE:

    Do not lubricate the threads of the connecting rod cap bolts (5).

15. Install the connecting rod cap and bearing with the tang on the same side as the rod. Tighten the NEW  connecting rod cap bolts (5) to the proper specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
16. If required, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE  .
17. Repeat the previous steps for each connecting rod bearing being replaced.

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    CAUTION:

    The main bearing cap bolts are tightened using a torque plus angle procedure. The bolts must be examined BEFORE reuse. If the threads are necked down the bolts must be replaced.

18. Check the main bearing cap bolts for necking by holding a scale or straight edge against the threads. If all the threads do not contact the scale (2) the bolt must be replaced.

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19. Install the windage tray with eight main bearing cap bolts. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown to 21 N.m (16 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn.
20. Install the engine oil pump, oil pump pick-up and oil pan. Refer to INSTALLATION 
21. Install the spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to 3.6L
22. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE - ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE  .
23. Connect the negative battery cable.
24. Operate the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.