Masterparts offers connecting rods, or con-rods, from trusted automotive equipment manufacturers.
What is a con-rod?
In an engine, a con-rod connects the piston to the crankshaft.
Typically, it’s designed to allow pivoting on the piston end and rotation on the crankshaft end.
Along with the crank, it converts the motion of the piston into the rotation of the crankshaft. In turn, this makes it possible to drive components such as propeller shafts, pumps, generators and reduction gears.
The following diagram shows the typical design of a con-rod. The smaller end connects to the piston, and the larger end connects to the crankshaft.
Abouttools, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Causes of con-rod failure
The con-rod is subject to very high stress, with large, repetitive forces exerted by the piston and its interaction with the crankshaft. These forces are proportional to engine speed.
The con-rod can fail because of this stress, especially at high engine speed.
It may also fail if it’s improperly installed, because of impact force if there’s a valvetrain problem and the piston hits a valve, or if the con-rod bearing fails due to insufficient lubrication.
When a con-rod fails, the broken rod is often thrown through the side of the crankcase (an issue known as “throwing a rod”). This causes irreparable damage to the engine.
Automotive connecting rods for sale in South Africa
Masterparts supplies con-rods made by respected international manufacturers, including OPC Precision Engineering and Innoteq.
We offer door-to-door delivery. Alternatively, visit any of our branches across South Africa or in Windhoek, Namibia.
For con-rods in and around Cape Town:
For con-rods in KwaZulu-Natal:
For con-rods in Namibia:
Masterparts supplies a massive number of automotive parts and spares, including a full range of crankshaft components.
Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll be pleased to assist.
