Connecting Rod Bearing: Testing and Inspection

^ Tool Required - J 36660 Torque Angle Meter

NOTE: Connecting rod bearings are a precision insert type. Connecting rods are of a powdered metal design and cannot be shimmed or filed for bearing fit. If clearances are found to be excessive, a new bearing and/or connecting rod are required. Do not rotate the crankshaft while gauging plastic is between the crankshaft journal and the bearing surface.





1. Remove the bearing cap, bearing half and bolts.





2. Install the gauging plastic onto the connecting rod bearing journal. Install the gauging plastic the full width of the journal.





3. Install the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.
a. Tighten connecting rod bolts first pass to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
b. Tighten connecting rod bolts final pass to 65 degrees using the torque angle meter.
4. Remove the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.
5. Measure the gauging plastic at its widest area using the scale supplied with the plastic gauging kit.
6. Connecting rod bearing clearance should be between 0.11-0.51 mm (0.00433-0.020 inch).