Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance Measurement Procedure - Using Plastic Gaging

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Connecting rod bearings that have been run in an engine should NEVER be reused. Before final assembly it is important to check the clearance of the new connecting rod bearings.

Place a length of fresh, room temperature plastic gaging material all the way across the connecting rod bearing journal.
Install the connecting rod bearing into the connecting rod cap.
NOTE: The connecting rod is non-directional therefore the connecting rod bearing lock tangs can face inboard or outboard.
Install the connecting rod end cap on its original connecting rod and ensure the bearing lock tangs are aligned on the same side of the rod.

Fig 1: Identifying Connecting Rod Cap
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
CAUTION:
- Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
- Do not lubricate the NEW connecting rod bolts. The NEW bolts have a pre-applied graphite lubricant. Applying lubricant to the connecting rod bolts will effect the clamp load when the connecting rod bolts are torqued. Improper clamp load can lead to component failure and extensive engine damage.
NOTE: Reuse the old connecting rod bolts ONLY for measuring the connecting rod bearing clearance.
Install the connecting rod bolts into the connecting rod cap.
Tightening torque

Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) .
Loosen the connecting rod bolts until the torque reading is zero.
Re-tighten the connecting rod bolts.
1. First Pass
  Tightening torque
  
  Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft) .
2. Final Pass
  Tightening torque
  
  Tighten the connecting rod bolts an additional 110 degrees using the J 45059 .
Allow the assembly to sit for at least 2 minutes.
Remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
Remove the connecting rod cap.

Fig 2: Measuring Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Determine the connecting rod bearing clearance by comparing the width of the flattened plastic gaging material at its widest point with the graduation on the gaging material container.
Compare your measurements with the engine mechanical specifications. If the new bearings do not provide the proper crankshaft to connecting rod bearing clearance, inspect the following:
1. Re-measure the crankshaft connecting rod journals for the correct specified size and ensure the proper new bearings are being installed. If the crankshaft connecting rod journals are incorrectly sized, replace or regrind the crankshaft. Crankshaft machining is permitted and undersized bearings are available.
2. Re-measure the connecting rod bearing bore diameter to ensure proper size. The connecting rod is not machinable and the connecting rod must be replaced if out of specification.
Clean the plastic gaging material from the connecting rod bearing journals using a soft lint-free cloth.