Con Rod Bearing

HOW TO DETECT THE CONNECTING ROD THIN-SHELL BEARINGS FAILURE

Diagnosis of the connecting rod gear is not only quite time consuming, but also requires special equipment. That is why, it is best to be performed at a service station.

Checking the status of the main crankshaft bearings is carried out in several stages. First, you have to measure the oil pressure in the main line. A special manometer is used for this purpose, equipped with a connecting sleeve and a damper to smooth the lubricant pulsations. You need to connect it to the oil filter housing and measure the oil pressure when the engine is warmed up at idle.

If the pressure is below normal, the next inspection stage is carried out: listening to engine knock with an automotive stethoscope. The inspection is carried out with the engine off, and its performance is simulated by means of a compressor-vacuum pump. Connecting rod thin-shell bearings usually produce a knock of medium volume, but more sonorous than the main bearings.

When knocks are detected the gaps between the mating components are measured using special equipment. If they exceed the permissible rate, the engine is dismantled and the bearings are inspected. Change of their surface color, flaking, corrosion and warping not only indicate that the parts require replacement, but also identify the cause of the failure.

You may identify that the connecting rod thin-shell bearings need diagnosis by the following symptoms: