OEM Chrysler Aspen Rod Bearing

Chrysler Aspen Rod Bearing Parts and Q&A

• Connecting Rod Bearing
  68207790AA
  Q: What Are the Best Practices for Inspecting and Installing Rod Bearings on Chrysler Aspen?

  A:

  Check the connecting rod bearings for signs of these issues, scoring, typical wear, grooves, fatigue, and pitting, and take out any bearing that doesn't seem right. Be sure to check for wear, nicks, and burrs on the connecting rod journals, because badly aligned or bent rods may cause the Pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls, connecting rod bearings, and the crankshaft connecting rod journals to wear out quickly. Should the alignment cause the engine to wear unevenly or become damaged, look for any rod misalignment and fix any bent or twisted rods. Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal, put a drop of oil on the upper bearing insert (2), and install the insert in connecting rod (1) so that it sits in the middle. The oil slinger pockets in the rods should face the front, and the "F"'s on the piston should point forward when piston ring compressor (3) and Guide Pins Special Tool 8507 (4) are used. Attach the lower bearing insert to the bearing cap, centering it, and confirm it is dry. Set Plastigage along the full width of the lower insert, in the middle, so it doesn't collapse; if the strip is crumbly, get yourself new Plastigage. After aligning the bearing cap and connecting rod with the journal, fasten the bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.), but remove them again since the Plastigage will be smeared if you turn the crank. After removing the bearing cap, examine the size of the compressed Plastigage (2) to discover the clearance between the bearing and the journal. Keep in mind that the Engine Specifications give the proper clearance for easy reference. If the clearance is the same across all parts of the insert, it's probably normal. If it changes, check for signs of a tapered journal, a bent connecting rod, or trapped debris in the spaces. If the recommended clearance is available, just continue with installation, removing Plastigage (2) after installing the bearing inserts. If the clearance between the bearing and journal is greater than allowed, decide on which service bearing set is suitable. All connecting rod bolts are designed to break at their limits and can't be used again. Make sure to install new bolts each time you remove them. Additional Plastigage tests should be done before final assembly to confirm your bearing choice. Choose the proper insert, insert it, add the cap, and tighten the connecting rod bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° turn. Place a snug-fitting feeler gauge between the connecting rod and crankshaft journal flange, comparing it to the clearance specified in the engine manual, and change the connecting rod if it is out of specification.