Is Replacing Connecting Rods Considered a Major Engine Overhaul?
3 Answers
Replacing connecting rods is considered a major engine overhaul. Additional Information: Major Engine Overhaul: A major overhaul of a car engine mainly includes replacing components such as valves, pistons, cylinder liners, or performing cylinder boring, crankshaft grinding, etc. According to the general standards of 4S shops, it usually involves replacing the "4 matching parts," which include pistons, piston rings, valves, valve oil seals, valve guides, crankshaft bearings, connecting rod bearings, timing belts, and tensioners. Car Engine: A car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, serving as the heart of the car and determining its power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, hybrid systems, etc.
This needs to be viewed from multiple angles. Disassembling the engine to the connecting rod stage is absolutely a deep repair, far more complex than a routine piston ring replacement. Think about it – when even the crankshaft connecting rods are removed, it's basically equivalent to performing open-heart surgery on the engine. The repair shop would definitely need to remove the entire engine, disassemble the cylinder head and oil pan, and readjust all moving component clearances. The most troublesome part is the dynamic balance debugging – if done improperly, the engine might vibrate like a massage chair later on. For repairs of this scale, the subsequent break-in period requires extra caution, so calling it a major overhaul isn't an exaggeration. Moreover, the labor costs could nearly amount to half the price of a new engine, and comprehensive testing is required before the vehicle can be roadworthy again after repairs.
Having worked in the workshop for over a decade, replacing connecting rods qualifies as a proper major overhaul. Don't be fooled by just swapping a rod - it actually requires replacing the entire set including pistons and bearing shells. All internal engine seals must be renewed with fresh gaskets, and after assembly, every bolt needs triple-torquing with a torque wrench following standard procedures. The worst scenario is connecting rod deformation causing cylinder wall scoring, which often necessitates additional cylinder boring. Just the disassembly and reassembly alone takes at least two full days, with the overhaul kit containing thirty to forty components. Post-repair, cylinder pressure tests and dynamic balancing are mandatory - this entire process defines standard overhaul specifications. I remember spending three hours just adjusting crankshaft end play on an old Tiguan last time.
