One of the most common repairs you’ll need to make on your car is changing the rod bearings. This article will show you how to do it with an engine in the car, so that you don’t have to take your car into a mechanic.
What is a rod bearing?
Rod bearings are found on the crankshaft of an engine, and they support the connecting rod. When the engine is running, the oil in the crankcase circulates around the rod bearings. If one of these bearings starts to go bad, it can cause a lot of noise and vibration in the engine.
How to change rod bearings with engine in car:
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air filter housing.
3. Remove the drive belt(s).
4. Remove the oil pan.
5. Remove the crankshaft assembly (see note).
6. Remove the four rod bearing caps (two on each side). Note: The caps may have retaining rings that need to be removed before they can be removed. Use a socket wrench to extension arms on each cap and twist them off until they break free from their fittings. Discard them afterwards.
7. If there are any other fasteners on the crankshaft that need to be removed, now is a good time to do so. In particular, if there are flywheel bolts on either side of the crankshaft, remove them now. Note
Types of rod bearings
Types of rod bearings:
There are two main types of rod bearings – ball and roller. Ball bearings are typically used in applications that require a high level of reliability, like in industrial machinery. Roller bearings, on the other hand, tend to be more efficient when it comes to speed and can be found in applications like cars and bikes.
How do I change rod bearings in a car?
If you’re experiencing problems with your car’s engine, it may be time to replace the rod bearings. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the engine in your car. It will likely be located beneath the hood or in the trunk.
2. Remove the bolts that hold the engine cover in place. You’ll need to remove both sides of the cover to get to the engine.
3. Remove the starter motor and any other components that are attached to the engine block.
4. Disconnect the fuel lines and any other connectors from the engine block.
5. Remove the four bolts that hold the crankshaft on top of the engine block. The crankshaft can now be lifted off of the block.
6. Carefully remove the pistons from their bearings on each side of the crankshaft. Be sure not to drop them!
7. Inspect each bearing for damage or wear, and replace as necessary. Note that there are two types of rod bearings – ball and roller – and you’ll need to replace them differently depending on which type you have. roller bearings require a different sealant than
Tools and Supplies Needed
Tools and Supplies Needed:
-Socket set
– Ratchet
– 8mm socket
– Wrench
– 10 mm socket
– Hammer
– Nail
– Rod bearing (if needed)
Instructions:
1. Start by removing the front wheel. If your car has airbags, be sure to disable them before doing so.
2. Remove the right side cover by unscrewing the six screws located along the edge of the cover. Once it is removed, use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the plastic trim around the window.
3. Detach the power steering pump by undoing the eight bolts that are circled in red. You will also need to remove the bracket that is attached to it (it is held in place with two screws).
4. Using a socket and ratchet, remove the four bolts that hold in the engine oil filter housing. Once those are free, pull out the housing. Make sure to save all of the parts!
5. Detach the spark plugs by undoing their four bolts and
Procedure
If you are having trouble changing your car’s rod bearings, follow these steps:
1. Park the car in a safe location so that you can work on it safely.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the exhaust system.
4. Loosen the bolts that hold the engine to the car frame.
5. Move the engine slightly to one side and remove it from the car.
6. Carefully remove all of the old bearings and dust them off with a brush or cloth.
7. Clean all of the new bearings with a solvent such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Be careful not to get any of the solvent on the oil or other moving parts in the engine!
8. Install the new bearings by hand-tightening each bolt until it is snug, then using a torque wrench to tighten it to specification. Be very careful not to over-tighten!
9. Replace the exhaust system, wheel, and tire.
Conclusion
If you are having trouble with your engine not starting or running smoothly, it might be time to replace your rod bearings. Rod bearings are small and lightweight pieces of equipment that sit on the inside of a piston’s cylinder head and help distribute the engine’s power throughout the crankcase. If they become damaged, worn out, or contaminated by oil, dirt, metal shavings, or other debris, they can cause serious problems with your car’s performance. Here is a guide on how to change rod bearings in a car without any professional help.