OEM 2004 Dodge Durango Rod Bearing

2004 Dodge Durango Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Inspect and Replace Rod Bearings for Optimal Performance on 2004 Dodge Durango?

  A: Review the surface of connecting rod bearings and take out any bearing that has unusual wear compared to others. Look at the connecting rod journals for scratches, notches, and burrs, since misplacement or bending of the connecting rods may lead to unusual wear in pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls, the connecting rod bearings, and crankshaft journals. When it appears that the connecting rod needs hammering in at the bottom because of missing alignment, ensure the rod is in the proper spot and replace any bent or twisted rods. Start with removing oil from the connecting rod journal and then grease the upper bearing insert before placing it in the center of the connecting rod. Test the distance between the wires at two areas, ensuring that it's less than 0.50 mm (0.0196 in.). Put in the rod and piston assemblies with Guide Pins Special Tool 8507 and a piston ring compressor, making sure the holes in the rods face towards the front of the engine and that the "F"'s on the piston are also pointing in that direction. Put the lower bearing insert into the bearing cap, center it, and check that everything is dry. Carefully stretch Plastigage across the lower insert, in the middle of the bearing cap, so it does not break apart. Put the bearing cap and connecting rod on the journal, tighten the bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° rotation and hold the crankshaft still to avoid the Plastigage becoming cigarette-shaped. Measure how much the Plastigage is tripped down after compression to find out the bearing-to-journal clearance and confirm it's the same over all parts of the insert. Should the clearance fit the standard, proceed to install the bearing and remove the Plastigage; if it's too large, select the given bearing set appropriate for the application. These connecting rod bolts are Torque to Yield Bolts; never use them again after removing. Do the Plastigage test again near the end of assembly to confirm the best insert and then insert that and install the cap, tightening the connecting rod bolts to 27 Nm (or 20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn. Finally, place a feeler gauge that matches the specification in between the connecting rod and the crankshaft journal flange. If the gap isn't correct, replace the connecting rod.