Function of the Connecting Rod, How It Works & Its Components in Cars
The number of car purchases each year always experiences an increase every year. It turns out that purchasing power is inversely proportional to the owner's knowledge of car components and their functions. One of them is about the function of the connecting rod, how it works, and the components within it. To help you understand this component more deeply, let’s take a look at the following review.
Function of the Connecting Rod
For those of you who are not familiar with the connecting rod, this component is another term for the piston rod. This component has a vital function in the engine combustion system. Here are the complete functions of the connecting rod.
1. Connector between the piston and the crankshaft
The first function of the connecting rod is to act as a connector between the piston and the crankshaft. The connecting rod will transmit the engine power from the combustion process. This power will then be converted into rotation (rotational motion) at the crankshaft.
2. Converts linear motion into rotational motion
Next, the connecting rod will convert the linear motion or the up and down motion of the piston into rotational motion. This way, the car can accelerate very quickly.
3. Transmits piston force to the crankshaft for maximum torque
In addition to the functions above, the connecting rod also serves to transmit the piston force to the crankshaft to increase torque. When the combustion process occurs, a pressure force arises that will push the piston.
This force will then be transmitted to the crankshaft through the connecting rod, and then converted into rotational power and speed.
How the Connecting Rod Works
The working principle of the connecting rod can be said to be simpler compared to the working principles of other engine components. When the engine combustion process occurs, it creates an explosion that also generates pressure capable of pushing the piston. Thus, the piston will move from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC).
Next, the up and down motion of the piston will be directly transmitted by the connecting rod so that the crankshaft rotates. This rotation is then used to turn the engine.
Read Also: Here are the Differences Between Compression Piston Rings 1 and 2, Let's Check It Out!
Components Inside the Connecting Rod
For the connecting rod to function properly, it requires other components within it. So what are these components? Instead of being curious, let’s take a look at the following review.
1. Small end
This component functions to connect the connecting rod with the piston. To connect these two components, a piston pin is needed as a hook.
2. Big end
This component functions to connect the crank pin located on the crankshaft with the connecting rod.
3. Beam
This component serves as the handle or grip of the connecting rod. This component is made of lightweight steel or stainless steel that is light yet sturdy. Thus, this component can increase rotational power without burdening the engine's performance.
4. Rod bushing
This component functions as the binding hole for the piston pin to connect the piston part with the connecting rod.
5. Rod bolt
To connect the crank pin and the piston rod, a connecting rod component called the rod bolt is needed. This component can be considered as a fastening bolt.
6. Rod nut
The rod nut has the same function as the rod bolt. However, the difference is that the rod nut is shaped like a fastening nut while the rod bolt is shaped like a bolt.
7. Rod bearing insert
This component serves as a bearing between the crank pin and the connecting rod. Among automotive enthusiasts, this component is referred to as the bearing metal.
8. Rod cap
This component functions to lock the connecting rod with the crank pin and is shaped like the big end.
Thus, these are some components of the connecting rod that you need to know. To prevent these components from premature wear, you need to perform regular servicing at the nearest Daihatsu workshop.
