How to Install a Rod Bolt

Rod bolts must be torqued specifically for your vehicle. Before staring the installation locate the torque specifications for the bearing caps on the rods --- the rod bolts hold the bearing caps onto the rods. The bearing is a two-piece bearing. The top half of the bearing rides inside the arced portion of the rod where it rides on the crankshaft. The bottom half of the bearing rides in the bearing cap. The bearing cap is bolted to the rod. Bearings must be measured for specific clearance; Otherwise, you could damage the crank and the bearings, so the torque must be specific.

Instructions

1

Coat the inside arches of the bearings with oil treatment. Fit the top part of the bearing into the rod, then push the piston and rod down into the cylinder until it touches the crankshaft. Be sure to follow the instructions for installing pistons for your particular vehicle. Many pistons have an arrow or other mark showing which way the piston should be installed.

2

You may have to tap the top of the piston with the handle of a rubber mallet to get it to go all the way down to the crank. Put a shop rag on top of the piston to keep it from being damaged, then tap the piston and rod into place with the handle of the mallet.

3

Fit the bottom half of the bearing onto the bearing cap. Ensure that the bearing cap is oriented in the proper direction --- look for the divots on the bearings and face the in the proper direction for your vehicle. Line the cap up with the rod and screw in the two rod bolts by hand as far as they will go.

4

Torque the rod bolts to your vehicle's specifications. The torque values may be obtained from your vehicle's service manual, the dealership or a machine shop.