Connecting Rods & Parts
About Connecting Rods & Parts
The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft and turns the piston's up-and-down motion into rotation. It carries heavy loads on every stroke, so a bent rod or a worn rod bearing usually means a bottom end rebuild. Rods are also replaced as routine during a full engine rebuild.
Most listings are connecting rod kits for a specific engine, from the Yamaha Grizzly, Raptor, Blaster and Banshee to Polaris, Honda and KTM models. A kit often includes more than the rod, such as the bearing and wrist pin, but the contents vary, so read the listing. Wrist pins and rod bolt kits are also listed. On many ATV engines the rod is pressed onto the crank pin, so fitting one means taking the crankshaft apart or using a rebuilt crank, which needs a press and a shop that does the work. Follow your manual for bolt torque and bolt replacement.
Brands in this category include Hot Rods, WSM, Prox, Wiseco and Moose Offroad. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. A rod job usually involves Crankshafts, Engine Bearings and Gaskets, Seals & Kits, and Pistons, Rings & Piston Kits and Engine Rebuild Kits & Components are also nearby, in Engines & Engine Parts.
FAQs on connecting rods
What causes a connecting rod to fail?
Common causes are oil starvation, a worn rod bearing, over-revving, and hydrolock from water entering the engine. A failing rod bearing usually gives a knock from the bottom end that gets worse, and continuing to run the engine can break the rod.
What is a wrist pin?
The wrist pin, also called a piston pin, is the small shaft that connects the piston to the top of the connecting rod. It is held in place by clips and rides in a bearing. It is replaced with the piston or rod when it is worn or damaged.
Can I replace a connecting rod without replacing the crankshaft?
On many ATV engines the rod is pressed onto the crank pin, so you need to disassemble the crankshaft, press in the new rod and set the crank true, or fit a rebuilt crank. Some engines use a different design, so check your manual.
How do I know which rod kit fits my engine?
Match it to your make, model, year and engine. Some kits cover several machines, so read the list in the title and compare it with your engine. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page to narrow the results.
