For 1990-2009 cars

#### Special Tools

• | J 45059 Angle Meter

• | KM-470-B Angular Torque Gage

• | J 8087 Cylinder Bore Gage or Equivalent

### Inspection Procedure - Connecting Rods

1. Coat the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
2. Install the upper connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod journals.
3. Install the lower connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod bearing caps.

Important: Grease the connecting rod journals and lubricate the connecting rod bearings slightly so that the plastic gaging thread does not tear when the connecting rod bearing caps are removed.

4. Inspect all of the connecting rod bearing clearances using a commercially available plastic gaging, ductile plastic threads.
5. Cut the plastic gaging threads to the length of the bearing width. Lay them axially between the connecting rod journals and the connecting rod bearings.
6. Install the connecting rod bearing caps.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

7. Install the connecting rod bearing cap bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft) using a torque wrench. Using J 45059 and KM-470-B (1), tighten the bolts plus 45 degrees plus 15 degrees.

8. Remove the connecting rod bearing caps.
9. Measure the width of the flattened plastic thread of the plastic gaging using a ruler. Plastic gaging is available for different tolerance ranges.
10. Inspect the bearing clearance for permissible tolerance ranges.