OEM 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Rod Bearing

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to measure Rod Bearing Clearance on 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan?

  A: Always mark the cap bolts when you take off the bearing caps, as they are not the same and must be used correctly. Place the bearing shells so the tangs on the bottom are in the machined grooves on the rod and the caps provide the upper grooves for the caps. Get all of the rods on the same bank while the fishing is ongoing. Most connect rod bearings are manufactured as standard and as undersize varieties of 0.025 mm (0.001 in.) and 0.250 mm (0.010 in.). Place bearings in groups of two to avoid using new and old parts together and do not try to smooth down the rods or caps by filing. Use instruments to see if the connecting rod journal is tapered or out of round. Check the width of the connecting rod bearings by turning the crankshaft so the connecting rod sits at its lowest point, wiping the oil away from the surface and placing a piece of Plastigage 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) back from the oil hole. Put the rod cap together with the Plastigage in place and tighten it to the right torque, ensuring you don't rotate the crankshaft as you do this to avoid smearing the Plastigage. Then, remove the little cap over the installed Plastigage and see if the measurement from the flattened end matches the scale on the package for oil clearance. If the numbers do not match, it could show taper in the bearing. Document every measurement and if the bearing clearance goes beyond the specified wear, change it.