Is Replacing Engine Connecting Rods Considered a Major Overhaul?

[ArthurMarie]

Replacing engine connecting rods is considered a major overhaul. Below is expanded content about connecting rods: Reasons for connecting rod breakage: Water entering the cylinders can increasingly compress and pressure the connecting rods, leading to bending or deformation upon removal. Abnormal fuel injector operation, such as continuous fuel injection in one cylinder, significantly increases the likelihood of connecting rod bending or deformation. Additionally, observe if the engine exhibits difficulties starting, emits black smoke, or lacks power. Methods to prevent connecting rod breakage: If it's not yet time for the scheduled oil change, regularly check the oil level to ensure it's sufficient. Promptly top up the oil if the level drops or is insufficient to prevent engine wear due to oil starvation. When it's time for the scheduled oil change, typically every 500 hours, always use original manufacturer oil or oil of the same brand and specification as the original.

[RoseAnn]

As a master mechanic with 20 years of experience, I'm extremely familiar with connecting rod replacement. It requires complete engine disassembly - removing cylinder heads, oil pans, and extracting the entire crankshaft-piston assembly. The workload is essentially equivalent to a full engine overhaul. You see, replacing connecting rods demands precise bearing clearance measurements, bolt torque specifications accurate to decimal points, and final dynamic balance testing. If done carelessly by roadside shops, consequences range from engine knocking to catastrophic cylinder explosions. Every vehicle I've handled that underwent connecting rod replacement suffered at least a 30% depreciation in resale value. Just last week, I repaired a Japanese car where the basic labor charge for disassembly/reassembly alone was 2,800 RMB.

[VonDaniel]

Last time my car had cylinder scoring and went for repairs. The mechanic said the connecting rods must be replaced to qualify as a major overhaul. During disassembly, the original factory sealant had to be destroyed, all fastening bolts needed replacement, and the engine required re-running-in after reassembly. The biggest headache was the vehicle administration records—once the engine cover is opened, it counts as repair history. My neighbor replaced connecting rods two years ago, and when selling the car this year, the price was directly slashed by 12,000 yuan. The dealer noticed tool marks on the factory nameplate screws and immediately lowballed the offer. After the repair, the power was fine, but the engine sound feels noticeably duller now.

[ClaireAnn]

Strengthening connecting rods is common in car modifications. Replacing them with forged rods for racing upgrades doesn't count as an overhaul, as it's purely for performance enhancement. However, replacing connecting rods during regular maintenance is a full-blown engine rebuild, requiring nearly complete disassembly and reassembly. Special torque wrenches and measuring tools are essential - most regular repair shops can't achieve proper precision. Last time at the track, I saw a fellow enthusiast who cheapened out on a small shop for rod replacement, only to have a piston punch through the cylinder wall. Always go to professional workshops with 3D measuring instruments for proper calibration.

[Jessie]

The insurance adjuster told me that any internal engine component replacement is classified as a major overhaul during claims. Replacing connecting rods requires disassembling the crankshaft-connecting rod assembly, which takes over 10 labor hours and is automatically categorized as a major repair in the system. After the repair, the engine serial number must be uploaded for record. Last year, there was a case where an owner paid out-of-pocket for connecting rod replacement without reporting it, and the insurance later denied the claim when the engine failed. The key issue is the impact on resale value. Last year, an Audi A6 with the same condition but with a major overhaul history was appraised for 30,000 yuan less.