OEM 2008 Dodge Nitro Rod Bearing

2008 Dodge Nitro Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Inspect and Replace Rod Bearings for Optimal Performance on 2008 Dodge Nitro?

  A: Be sure to inspect the connecting rod bearings for signs of scoring, normal or abnormal wear, grooves, fatigue and pitting. Replace any bearing with abnormal wear. Look for scoring, nicks and burrs on the connecting rod journals, because a misaligned or bent rod can lead to premature wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls, connecting rod bearings and the journals of the crankshaft rods. Should damage or wear reveal a misalignment of the connecting rod, check the rod and repair or replace those that are not in place. Clear oil from the connecting rod journal and then grease the upper bearing insert, putting it into the rod with good alignment. Place the piston and rod assemblies using the piston ring compressor and Connecting Rod Guides 8507, ensuring the oil slingers in the rods face the engine's front and the F's at the piston point forward. Place the lower bearing insert into the bearing cap and center it and see to it that it is dry. Apply a narrow strip of Plastigage over the entire width of the lower insert at the bearing cap's center; if it is brittle, get a new supply. Place the bearing cap and connecting rod onto the journal, turning each bolt to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn, while avoiding turning the crankshaft to prevent smearing the Plastigage. With the bearing cap gone, check the thickness of the compressed Plastigage to see if the bearing clearance matches the standards. If the clearance measurement is correct, install the rod; when it is outside of spec, pick the right bearing set and remember that removing Torque to Yield Bolts means they need to be replaced. Take another Plastigage measurement to check that the bearing is suitable before putting the machine together. After selecting the right insert, fit it and the cap, tightening the connecting rod bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn. Check the side clearance between the connecting rod and the crankshaft journal flange with a snug fitting feeler gauge, according to the standards and replace the connecting rod if it doesn't fit the requirements.