Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance-Gaging Plastic

The contents of this article have been updated by TSB # 07-06-01-002 dated 3/5/2007.


Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance - Gaging Plastic Method





Important: 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 gaging plastic onto the connecting rod bearing journal. Install the gaging plastic the full width of the journal.





3. Install the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.
3.1. Tighten the connecting rod bolts first pass to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
3.2. Tighten the connecting rod bolts a final pass to 85 degrees using the J 36660-A.
4. Remove the bearing cap, bearing, and bolts.





5. Measure the gaging plastic at its widest area using the scale supplied with the plastic gaging kit.
The connecting rod bearing clearance should be 0.023-0.076 mm (0.0009-0.003 inch).