OEM 2005 Dodge Dakota Rod Bearing

2005 Dodge Dakota Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: What Are the Key Steps to Inspect and Install Rod Bearings on 2005 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Have the connecting rod bearings checked for common marks such as scoring, grooving, fatigue and pitting and replace any that show irregular wear. Look for marks of scoring, nicks and burrs on the journals of the connecting rods because misalignment or bending may lead to excessive wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft connecting rod journals. If the engine's wear or damage reveals a misaligned connecting rod, first adjust the alignment and then install new rods that are correct. Remove the oil from the rod journal, lubricate the upper bearing insert and set it in the rod so it is properly aligned. Check the spacing at two points and ensure each section is less than 0.50mm (0.0196 inch). Insert the Guide Pins Special Tool 8507 into the holes along the main cap, then use a piston ring compressor to secure the assembly with the oil slinger slot on the front side of the rod and the letter "F" oriented toward the front of the engine. Put the lower bearing insert into the cap and line it up correctly, then position a strip of Plastigage at the center of the cap across the whole insert, to make sure it does not crumble. Place the bearing cap and connecting rod on the journal, secure them by tightening bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn and do not start the crankshaft to avoid damaging the Plastigage. After taking off the bearing cap, check the compressive stretch of the Plastigage between the journal and the bearing and check that this distance meets the specification for correct bearing-to-journal clearance. If you find that the clearance is correct, take off the Plastigage and put the bearings in; if it's incorrect, find the right bearing set and remember that you cannot use the bolt again. Confirm the bearing selection through another round of Plastigage measurement, select the correct insert, put both pieces in and then tighten the connecting rod bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs) plus 90° rotation. Have the connecting rod inspector measure the clearance using a feeler gauge; if it is out of specs, the connecting rod needs replacement.