Connecting Rods, Checking Radial Clearance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Plastigage
Procedure
-- Remove the connecting rod bearing cap.
-- Clean the bearing cap and journal.
-- Place the plastigage over the entire width of the bearing journal or into the bearing shells.
-- Position the connecting rod bearing cap and tighten it to 30 Nm without tightening it further; do not turn the crankshaft.
-- Install the connecting rod bearing cap.
-- Compare the width of Plastigage with calibrated scale.
Radial Clearance:
- New: 0.02 to 0.06 mm.
- Wear limit: 0.09 mm.
-- Replace connecting rod bolts.