Crankshaft/Transmission

Connecting Rod Bend Inspection

~1min read
  • Remove the connecting rod big end bearing inserts, and reinstall the connecting rod big end cap.
  • Select an arbor [A] of the same diameter as the connecting rod big end, and insert the arbor through the connecting rod big end.
  • Select an arbor of the same diameter as the piston pin and at least 100 mm (3.94 in.) long, and insert the arbor [B] through the connecting rod small end.
  • On a surface plate, set the big-end arbor on V block [C].
  • With the connecting rod held vertically, use a height gauge to measure the difference in the height of the arbor above the surface plate over a 100 mm (3.94 in.) length to determine the amount of connecting rod bend.

If the connecting rod bend exceeds the service limit, the connecting rod must be replaced.

Connecting Rod Bend Service Limit: TIR 0.2/100 mm (0.008/3.94 in.)

Connecting Rod Bend Inspection

Test yourself

A quick Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.