New Connecting Rod, Separating

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle and 2013 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:

-- Mark the cylinder where the connecting rod belongs.

-- 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 5 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.