OEM 2002 Chrysler 300M Rod Bearing

2002 Chrysler 300M Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: How Can Rod Bearing Caps Be Marked and Installed for Accurate Assembly on 2002 Chrysler 300M?

  A: Since the bearing caps are not the same, always mark them when you remove them to help with their right assembly. When putting in the bearing shells, be sure the tangs are fitted into the ridges in the rods and caps and that all the cap tangs sit on the rod side. Attach all the rods to the bank on one side and check that crankshaft limits for tapering or being round stay within 0.015 mm (0.0006 inch). The proper sizes for bearings are standard, 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and 0.254 mm (0.010 inch). Two bearings must always be installed together and do not try to mix new and old halves or file the rods or bearing caps. Plastigage is used for measuring both main bearing clearance and connecting rod bearing clearance. If you notice any necking on the rod bearing bolts, change them out. To find out if a connecting rod bolt has stretched, apply a scale to its threads; if the threads do not touch the entire scale all the way around, the bolt should be replaced. Before nuts are installed, apply engine oil to the threads and install them only tight enough with your hands, alternating between them to secure the cap. Attach a dial indicator to a position that doesn't move, touch the probe to the connecting rod cap, zero the dial and move the rod forward to see the dial reading. Refer to the guide as you check each connecting rod by moving the crankshaft to make all measurements easier.