Connecting Rod Bearings

Fit all rods on one bank until complete. The bearing caps are not interchangeable and should be marked at removal to insure correct assembly. The bearing shells must be installed with tangs inserted into machined grooves in rods and caps. Install cap with tangs on same side as rod. Limits of taper or out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should be held to .025 mm (.001").

Bearings are available in .025 mm (.001"), .051 mm (.002"), .076 mm (.003"), .254 mm (.010") and .305 mm (.012") undersize. Install bearings in pairs. Do not use a new bearing half with an old bearing half. Do not file rods or bearing caps.

1. Check connecting rod bearing clearance using Plastigage. See Fig 1. See CONNECTING ROD BEARING OIL CLEARANCE .
   CONNECTING ROD BEARING OIL CLEARANCE
   
   

   Application	Specifications
   New Part	.019-.087 mm (.0008-.00034")
   Wear Limit	.095 mm (.0037")

   NOTE: The rod bearing bolts should be examined before reuse. If threads are necked down bolts should be replaced.
2. Necking can be checked by holding a scale or straight edge against threads. See Fig 2. If all threads do not contact scale bolt should be replaced.
3. Before installing nuts threads should be oiled with engine oil. Install nuts on each bolt finger tight then alternately torque each nut to assemble cap properly. Tighten nuts to 54 N.m PLUS 1/4 turn (40 ft. lbs. PLUS 1/4 turn). Using a feeler gauge, check connecting rod side clearance. See Fig 3.
   CONNECTING ROD SIDE CLEARANCE
   
   

   Application	Specifications
   New Part	.13-.38 mm (.005-.015")
   Wear Limit	.40 mm (.0157")

Fig 1: Checking Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Checking Bolts For Stretching

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 3: Checking Connecting Rod Side Clearance

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.