Connecting Rod Cleaning: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Using a suitable solvent, thoroughly clean the connecting rod and rod cap.
Mark each connecting rod and its corresponding rod cap for correct installation.
Measure the inside diameter of the piston pin bushing. Install a new connecting rod, if not within specification.

Fig 1: Identifying Piston Pin Bushing Specification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable micrometer, measure the connecting rod bearing bore.
1. Remove the connecting rod bearings from the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap. Install the connecting rod cap onto the connecting rod and tighten the bolts.
  - Tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).
2. Further tighten the connecting rod cap bolts.
  - Tighten to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft).
- Measure and record the connecting rod bearing bore as indicated. Install new connecting rods if not within specification.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Bore Specification
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable micrometer, inspect the connecting rod bearing bore taper.
1. Measure the bearing bore inside diameter near the large chamfer.
  - Measure the bearing bore inside diameter near the small chamfer.
  - The difference between the 2 readings is the bore taper. Install new connecting rods if not within specifications.
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Bore Inside Diameter
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.