Connecting Rods

Part of the crankshaft: Connecting rods and connecting rod bearings

Crankshafts rotate (round and round), pistons oscillate (up and down). Connecting these two movements is the purpose of the connecting rods (sic!) and theire bearings. The big end bearing on the crank pin and the small end bearing on the piston pin.

Replace connecting rods and bearings yourself?

The continuous use of roller bearings in the connecting rod big end of Harley-Davidson air-cooled engines since 1915 ensures that the bearings require comparatively little oil and, above all, less oil pressure than a plain bearing. It also makes it easy to replace individual components, but requires the crankshaft to be dismantled. Depending on the condition of the components, it is possible to replace only individual parts and this can be done in a well-equipped workshop. The screw connections using tapered ground journals make this possible. The crankshaft must be centered after replacing the connecting rods and connecting rod bearings.

Are there connecting rods and bearings available from W&W Cycles?

Complete sets or individual connecting rod bearing cages and rollers for the air-cooled Harley-Davidson V-Twin engine, in high-quality from manufacturers Jim's, S&S and The Cyclery.