Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Bearings - Connecting Rods


Bearings - Connecting Rods

Service Repair No - 12.17.16.01


Disassembly

1. Remove oil pick up strainer.





2. Suitably mark cylinder reference number on each connecting rod bearing cap.
3. Remove 2 bolts securing each connecting rod bearing cap, remove caps and recover connecting rod bearings.

CAUTION: Keep bearing caps, bearings and bolts in their fitted order.

4. Push each connecting rod up cylinder bore until connecting rods are clear of crankshaft journals.

CAUTION: Ensure that connecting rods do not contact cylinder bores.

5. Remove bearing shells from each connecting rod.

Inspect

1. Clean crankshaft journals and bearing locations in connecting rods.
2. Inspect connecting rod bearings for wear and renew if necessary. Connecting rod bearings are available in two oversizes.
^ Connecting rod bearing 1st oversize = 0.254 mm (0.01 in).
^ Connecting rod bearing 2nd oversize = 0.508 mm (0.02 in).
3. Check crankshaft big-end journals for wear and scoring. Measure for ovality; taking 3 measurements at 120° intervals at each end and at center of journals.
^ Standard journal = 55.500 to 55.513 mm (2.20 to 2.22 in).
^ 1st undersize journal - 0.254 mm (0.01 in) 55.246 to 55.259 mm (2.17 to 2.18 in).
^ 2nd undersize journal - 0.508 mm (0.02 in) = 54.992 to 55.005 mm (2.16 to 2.165 in).
^ Journal - max. ovality = 0.040 mm (0.002 in).

Reassembly

1. Clean connecting rod caps.
2. Lubricate connecting rod journals and bearing shells with clean engine oil.
3. Fit bearing shells to connecting rods and caps.
4. Rotate crankshaft until connecting rod journals are correctly positioned.
5. Taking care not to displace bearing shells, pull connecting rods on to crankshaft journals.
6. Check that bearing shells are correctly located in connecting rod bearing caps.





7. Fit connecting rod bearing caps, ensuring that they are in their correct fitted order.

NOTE: The rib on the edge of the bearing cap most face towards the front of engine on the RH bank of cylinders and towards the rear on the LH bank.

8. Lightly oil threads of connecting rod bolts. Fit connecting rod bolts and tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) then turn a further 80°.





9. Check clearance between connecting rods on each crankshaft journal.
^ Connecting rod clearance = 0.15 to 0.36 mm (0.006 to 0.014 in).
10. Fit oil pick up strainer.