Standard Procedure - Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement

Fig 1: Oil Pick-Up Tube & Bolts

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

The connecting rod bearings must be replaced one-at-a-time in order to prevent the pistons from contacting the valves.

1. Remove the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL .
2. Remove the oil pan and oil pump pick-up (1). Refer to PICK-UP, OIL PUMP, REMOVAL .
   Fig 2: Connecting Rod To Cylinder Identification

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
   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.

3. Mark connecting rod and bearing cap positions (1) using a permanent ink marker or scribe tool.
   Fig 3: Connecting Rod Cap, Cap Bolts, Bearing Shell & Connecting Rod Guide Pins

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
   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 and/or piston damage.

   CAUTION:

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

4. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts (2) and the connecting rod cap (1). Discard the cap bolts.
5. Install the Connecting Rod Guides (special tool #10281, Pins, Connecting Rod Guide) (4) on the connecting rod.
   CAUTION:

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

6. Rotate the crankshaft away from the connecting rod and remove the bearing shell from the connecting rod.
7. Install the replacement bearing shell on the connecting rod with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the rod. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
8. 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.

9. Install the replacement bearing shell (3) on the connecting rod cap (1) 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 (2).

10. 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 20 N.m (15 ft. lbs.) plus 40°.
11. If required, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
12. Repeat the previous steps for each connecting rod bearing being replaced.
    Fig 4: Oil Pick-Up Tube & Bolts

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
13. Install the oil pump pick-up (1) and oil pan. Refer to PICK-UP, OIL PUMP, INSTALLATION .
14. Install the spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to SPARK PLUG, INSTALLATION .
15. If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .
16. Connect the negative battery cable and tighten nut to 5 N.m (45 in. lbs.).
17. Start and run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.