New Connecting Rod, Separating
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2021 Volkswagen GTI, 2020 Volkswagen GTI, 2019 Volkswagen GTI, 2018 Volkswagen Golf, and 2018 Volkswagen GTI. 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 ) Connecting Rod.
-- Lightly clamp the connecting rod in a vise equipped with aluminum protective pads.
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.