What are the symptoms of a bent connecting rod?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a bent engine connecting rod include shaking after starting, unstable idle speed accompanied by abnormal noises, and if the connecting rod is slightly deformed and not replaced in time, over time, the connecting rod may severely deform, causing the crankshaft to jam or even break. In severe cases, it can damage the cylinder block and crankshaft, affecting the engine's lifespan. Methods to determine whether the connecting rod is deformed are introduced as follows: 1. Introduction one: Conduct a preliminary inspection and judgment of the engine. First, check the air filter. If the air filter is only soaked in water but remains intact in shape, and there are no water stains in the engine intake pipe, this indicates that water has not entered the engine combustion chamber and will not harm the connecting rod or crankshaft. 2. Introduction two: However, if the air filter is completely broken and there are a large number of water stains in the intake pipe, this means water has entered the combustion chamber. But the presence of water in the combustion chamber does not necessarily mean it will harm the connecting rod or crankshaft. Therefore, further inspection is needed to determine whether the connecting rod or crankshaft has been damaged.
I remember that time when I encountered an old Toyota with a bent connecting rod during a repair. After starting the car, it made a loud knocking sound like a broken gong. At idle, the steering wheel shook so violently that my hands went numb. When driving, the acceleration was sluggish, and even with the throttle fully depressed, there was no power—the RPM just wouldn't rise. The oil pressure warning light occasionally flickered, and upon checking the oil, metal shavings were found. The temperature gauge also showed higher-than-normal readings. Later, when the engine was disassembled, it was clear the connecting rod was indeed deformed. This kind of situation is often caused by overloading or insufficient oil lubrication. Continuing to drive could lead to the connecting rod breaking, causing cylinder damage and total engine failure. If you encounter similar symptoms, stop the car immediately, turn off the engine, and have it towed to a professional repair shop. Driving under such conditions is dangerous and should be avoided.
Last month, my car suddenly felt off on the highway. When accelerating, it made a rattling noise similar to an old washing machine, and the throttle response slowed down, making it difficult to climb hills. After stopping to check, I also noticed obvious vibrations in the engine compartment. A friend took a look and said it was caused by connecting rod issues, likely related to neglecting regular oil maintenance. Continuing to drive in this condition posed serious risks, such as engine stalling or seizing, so I called a tow truck to take it to the nearest repair shop. Replacing the parts cost some money, but safety comes first. I advise fellow car owners to regularly check fluids and address unusual noises early as a preventive measure.
