Connecting Rod Bearing Oil Clearance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Method of Measurement

Install connecting rod bearings to the connecting rod and cap. Tighten connecting rod bolts to the specified torque. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY ".
Measure inside diameter of connecting rod bearing.

(Oil clearance) = (Inside diameter of connecting rod bearing) - (Crankshaft pin diameter)

Standard: 0.020 - 0.039 mm (0.0008 - 0.0015 in)

Limit: 0.055 mm (0.0022 in)

Fig 1: Example Of Inside Diameter Of Connecting Rod Bearing
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If clearance cannot be adjusted within the standard, grind crankshaft pin and use undersized bearing. Refer to "HOW TO SELECT PISTON AND BEARING ".

Method of Using Plastigage

Remove oil and dust on the crankshaft pin and surfaces of each bearing completely.
Cut a plastigage slightly shorter than the bearing width, and place it in the crankshaft axial direction, avoiding oil holes.
Install the connecting rod bearings to the connecting rod and connecting rod bearing cap, and tighten the connecting rod bolts to the specified torque.

Fig 2: Measuring Plastigage Width Using Scale On Plastigage Bag
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Do not rotate crankshaft with plastigage installed.
Remove the connecting rod bearing cap and bearings. Measure the plastigage width using the scale on the plastigage bag.

NOTE: The procedure when the measured value exceeds the repair limit is the same as that described in "Method of Measurement".