New Connecting Rod, Separating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

-- Label which cylinder goes with the connecting rod -item 11.

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

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

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Clamp the connecting rod lightly to prevent damaging it.

Clamp the connecting rod below the dotted line.

-- Loosen the bolts -arrows- approximately five turns.

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

Fig 2: Carefully Taping Against Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.