Separating New Connecting Rods

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 2008 Volkswagen GLI, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 too.

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

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, 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 hammer until the cap is loose.

Fig 2: Identifying Direction To Carefully Tap Against Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.