Connecting Rods, Checking Radial Clearance

The check procedure is described for a connecting rod as an example.

-- Mark the installation position and which connecting rod bearing cap -1- belongs to which connecting rod. Refer to Pistons, Removing and Installing  .

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and the connecting rod bearing cap.

Requirement

• Do not damage the cracked surfaces of the connecting rods and connecting rod bearing caps.

-- Clean the connecting rod bearing cap and pin.

-- Place a commercially available Plastigauge thread -1- axially onto the crankshaft -2-.

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Requirement

• The commercially available Plastigauge thread -1- must lay centered.

-- Carefully insert the connecting rod bearing cap -3- with the bearing shell -4- and tighten with the removed bolts -5-.

Requirement

• The crankshaft -2- must not be removed.
• Tightening specification and sequence.

-- Remove the connecting rod bearing cap -3-.

-- Determine the radial clearance.

• Refer to Check and Adjustment Values .