New Connecting Rod, Separating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI and 2008 Volkswagen GTI. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

New connecting rods may not be separated at the location where they should be. If the connecting rod bearing cap cannot be removed by hand, proceed as follows:

-- Mark which cylinder the connecting rod belongs to.

-- Lightly clamp the connecting rod in a vise equipped with aluminum protective jaw pads.

Fig 1: Identifying Connecting Rod Clamped In Vise Equipped With Aluminum Protective Pads

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

NOTE:

Only clamp the connecting rod lightly to avoid damaging it.

Clamp the connecting rod below the dotted line.

-- Loosen both bolts -arrows- about five turns.

-- Carefully tap against the connecting rod bearing cap in the direction of the -arrow- with a plastic mallet until the cap is loose.

Fig 2: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.