Connecting Rod Bearing Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Jeep Renegade. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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The connecting rod bearings (1) 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 CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING .

Remove the engine from the vehicle and mount the engine on the maintenance stand. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove the spark plugs. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove the rear crankshaft oil seal. Refer to SEAL, CRANKSHAFT OIL, REAR, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove the oil pan, balance shaft/oil pump assembly and ladder frame. Refer to FRAME, LADDER, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

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Loosen the ten main bearing cap bolts.
Remove the bearing beam bolts (1 - 6) and remove the bearing beam. Temporarily install main bearing cap bolts (M10 x 1.25 x 76.5) into the unsupported No. 2, 3 and 5 main bearing caps hand tight.

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

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NOTE:
Typical I4 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.
Remove the connecting rod cap bolts (4) and the connecting rod cap (3). Discard the cap bolts.
Install the (special tool #10281, Pins, Connecting Rod Guide) (6) on the connecting rod being removed.
CAUTION:
Care must be taken not to nick crankshaft journals, as engine damage may occur.
Rotate the crankshaft away from the connecting rod and remove the bearing shell.
If required, select and fit new bearings to the connecting rod. Refer to CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING .
Install the bearing shell (7) on the connecting rod with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the rod. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
Rotate the crankshaft while guiding the connecting rod into position over the rod journal.
Install the bearing shell (5) on the connecting rod cap (3) with the tang inserted into the machined groove in the cap. Lubricate the bearing surface with clean engine oil.
CAUTION:
The connecting rod bolts must not be reused. Always replace the connecting rod bolts whenever they are loosened or removed.

NOTE:
Do not lubricate the threads of the connecting rod cap bolts (4).
Install the connecting rod cap and bearing with the tang on the same side as the rod. Tighten the NEW connecting rod cap bolts (4) to the proper specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
If required, check the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to ROD, PISTON AND CONNECTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
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.
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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Remove the temporarily installed cap bolts from main bearing caps 2, 3 and 5. Install the bearing beam (1) with its longer bolts so that the <FRT indication (2) is pointing to the front of the engine.

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Tighten the ten main bearing cap bolts in the sequence shown, following this 3 step torque plus angle method. Tighten according to the following torque values:
- Step 1: All to 15 N.m (11 ft. lbs.)
- Step 2: All to 45 N.m (33 ft. lbs.)
- Step 3: All an additional 45° Turn Do not use a torque wrench for this step.
Install the ladder frame, balance shaft/oil pump assembly and oil pan. Refer to FRAME, LADDER, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install the spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to SPARK PLUG, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install a new rear crankshaft oil seal. Refer to SEAL, CRANKSHAFT OIL, REAR, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Install the transmission to the engine and install the engine in the vehicle. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
If removed, install the oil filter and fill the engine crankcase with the proper oil to the correct level. Refer to ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE .
Fill the transmission. Refer to FLUID AND FILTER, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
Fill the cooling system. Refer to DRAINING AND FILLING THE COOLING SYSTEM - 2.4L .
Connect the negative battery cable. If equipped with an Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS), connect the IBS connector to the negative battery cable.
Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system. Refer to R-1234YF REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE and R-1234YF REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE .
Start engine and check for leaks.
Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system for correct fluid level. Refer to ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT .