sThe connecting rod is a fundamental part of the engine, as it is responsible for transmitting the pressure of the gases acting on the piston to the engine’s crankshaft.
As you can imagine, the different components connected to the engine withstand very high stresses, allowing them to move cars weighing several tons.
So that you understand its importance and how it works, keep reading this article and pay attention to the signs that indicate wear on this component.
What is an Engine Connecting Rod?
The engine connecting rod is a part that connects the piston to the engine crankshaft (also known as the crankshaft). It is an essential part for converting the linear movement of the piston into the rotary movement of the crankshaft.
What is a Connecting Rod For?
The connecting rod is used to transmit the force from the piston, generated by the combustion of fuel, to the crankshaft. This allows the energy to be converted and used to move the vehicle or perform mechanical work.
How is a Connecting Rod Made Up?
This essential vehicle component is made up of three parts:
- Head or large ring: connected to the crankshaft. It is divided into two parts, one of which is the extension of the body and the other the part that is screwed on;
- Body: the central part which bears most of the stresses and can have various shapes, such as cross, H or I;
- Foot or small ring: part that connects to the piston via the metal cylinder inside a bushing.
Where is the Connecting Rod Located in the Engine?
It is located inside the engine, connecting the piston to the crankshaft.
Each engine cylinder has a connecting rod.
How Does the Engine Connecting Rod Work?
When the piston is pushed down by the explosion of fuel in the cylinder, the connecting rod follows this movement via the connecting rod pin. This movement is then transferred to the crankshaft, which converts the energy of combustion into a continuous rotary movement.
The function of this part is not just limited to converting movement. The connecting rod also withstands the extreme forces and high temperatures inside the engine, requiring resistant materials and a robust design to ensure durability and reliability throughout the engine’s life.
What Types of Connecting Rods are Available on the Market?
Depending on their manufacture, the most common types of connecting rod are:
- Monobloc: distinguished from other models by having a one-piece head without a removable cover;
- Light crank: unlike other models, the angle separating the halves of the head of this type of crank-rod is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body;
- Articulated connecting rod: can have more than one hole in the heads, which allows it to receive movement from other connecting rods.
How Important is the Connecting Rod in Engine Operation?
This part is crucial in the operation of the engine, as it converts the linear movement of the piston into the rotary movement of the crankshaft, an essential process for transforming the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy.
In addition to its power transmission function, the car’s connecting rod is also responsible for maintaining synchronization between the piston and the crankshaft. This synchronization is fundamental to ensuring that the engine runs efficiently and smoothly, allowing all parts of the engine to work together without failures or interruptions.
Without the connecting rod, the engine could not convert the energy of combustion into useful movement, which would make it impossible for the vehicle or any other mechanism driven by the engine to function.
What Are the Telltale Symptoms of a Loose Connecting Rod?
When there is a problem with this part, the main symptoms are:
- Noises coming from the underside of the engine;
- Loss of engine power or irregular performance, resulting from loss of compression between the piston and connecting rod;
- Engine oil consumption;
- Blue smoke coming out of the exhaust;
- Abnormal engine shaking;
- Engine light on the dashboard panel.
What are the Risks of Driving with a Damaged Connecting Rods?
If you drive with this part broken, you run the risk of:
1. Engine Failure
A broken connecting rod in the engine can lead to a malfunction of the piston and crankshaft, which can result in serious damage to the engine.
2. Increased Oil and Fuel Consumption
All the parts that make up this component, including the connecting rod bearing, can cause the engine to malfunction, resulting in an increase in oil and fuel consumption.
In turn, this not only increases maintenance costs, but also reduces the vehicle’s efficiency.
3. Loss of Vehicle Control
In extreme cases, a damaged connecting rods can lead to a loss of vehicle control and, consequently, a road accident.
This occurs if the engine fails while the vehicle is in motion, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
4. Fire
Damage to this engine part can lead to loss of oil or fuel in the engine, increasing the risk of fire if there is an ignition problem or excessive heat inside the engine compartment.
5. High Repair Costs
If you don’t repair the connecting rods as soon as possible, damage to the engine can spread to other parts, such as cylinders, pistons and the engine head.
As a result, you will incur high repair costs and possibly need to replace the engine.
How Long Does an Engine Connecting Rod Last?
The lifespan of this component varies according to several factors, such as the type of engine, driving conditions, proper maintenance and the quality of the part’s manufacture. In general, connecting rods can last 200,000 kilometers if preventive maintenance is carried out regularly and the engine is not subjected to extreme conditions.
It is important to carry out the preventive maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, including regular oil changes and periodic engine inspections, to ensure that the connecting rods and other parts of the engine do not suffer premature wear.
What is the Price of an Engine Connecting Rod?
The price of an engine connecting rods varies between tens and hundreds of euros, depending on the type of vehicle, the manufacturer and the material used to make the component.
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