OEM 2001 Ford Escort Rod Bearing

2001 Ford Escort Rod Bearing Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service the connecting rod bearings on 2001 Ford Escort?

  A: Service of connecting rod bearings starts by removing spark plugs and the oil pan. First remove two bolts that will detach the components of the oil pump screen cover, tube and gasket before you discard the gasket. A removal of the four nuts will detach the oil pan baffle. The lowest point of the connecting rod requires attention when rotating the crankshaft. The service requires removal of two nuts followed by the connecting rod cap and the lower connecting rod bearing. Before removing a connecting rod bolt thread a small piece of rubber tube over it as a protective measure to shield crankshaft journals. Use the cylinder bore clearance space by lifting the piston upward slightly before removing the upper connecting rod bearing. You must oil all bolt and stud threads lightly with clean engine oil before making any installation. A comprehensive cleaning process must be conducted on connecting rod bearings together with connecting rod cap and connecting rod because any contaminants might warp the bearings or harm crankshaft journals. Treat the crankshaft journal by cleaning it before applying crankcase conditioner as lubrication. The upper connecting rod bearing installation must include proper alignment of its tab into the connecting rod slot with complete bearing seating. Set the upper connecting rod bearing inside its place on the connecting rod before pulling it down to achieve crankshaft seating. You should install the lower connecting rod bearing into the connecting rod cap after applying clean engine oil on its bearing surface. After installing the bearing inside the connecting rod cap you should torque the nuts to 35 - 41 Nm (26 - 30 ft.lbs.) and subsequently loosen them two to three turns before retorquing to the original value. The last action involves putting back the oil pan baffle followed by installing both the oil pump screen cover and tube and the oil pan and spark plugs.