How to Fix Rod Bearings in a 1997 Civic

Internal combustion engines, like the engine in the Honda Civic, use sleeve-type bearings in the lower or big end of the connecting rod to allow the rod to rotate on the crankshaft. Unlike ball, or roller bearings that have moving parts, connecting rod bearings do not move. They ride on a cushion of pressurized oil that is delivered through the crankshaft via the oil pump. These bearings will last well in excess of 100,000 miles. Connecting rod bearings can be replaced with the engine in the car, provided that the crankshaft journals are not damaged.

Instructions

Park the Civic on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Raise the front end with a jack and support with jack stands.

Place a drain pan under the oil pan drain plug. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the drain plug. Allow the engine oil to drain.

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the oil pan bolts. Remove the oil pan. The oil pan gasket is rubber and can be reused.

Place a ratchet and socket on the large bolt in the center of the crankshaft pulley. Rotate the engine in a clockwise direction until the number one connecting rod is at the bottom of its stroke.

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the two nuts that hold the connecting rod cap on the rod. Remove the cap. Note which way the cap fits on the rod so you can put it back the same way. The cap holds one-half of the rod bearing. Note that the bearing has a tab on one end that fits in a notch in the cap. The other half of the bearing is in the connecting rod. It has the same tab and notch arrangement. The two bearing halves are interchangeable. When you put in the new bearing halves, it doesnt matter which half goes in the rod or cap.

Use a small flat-head screwdriver to push on the end of the bearing half that is still in the connecting rod. Carefully push on the end of the bearing that does not have the tab. The bearing half will rotate out from between the rod and the crankshaft journal.

Slide a bearing half into the space between the rod and the crankshaft. Make sure the tab on the bearing seats in the notch in the rod. Remove the other bearing half from the rod cap. Seat the other bearing half in the cap. Again, make sure the tab is seated in the notch.

Mount the cap back onto the connecting rod. Install the nuts. Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the nuts to the specification for your engine.

Rotate the engine until the next number two connecting rod is at the bottom of its stroke. Repeat the procedure to install the new bearings. Repeat for the other cylinders.

Mount the oil pan. Install and tighten the bolts. Install and tighten the drain plug. Raise the front of the Civic. Remove the jack stands and lower it to the ground. Fill the engine with fresh motor oil.