Guide

Connecting Rods – What You Should Know

Connecting rods are critical elements in the piston-crank system. They act as a link between the crankshaft and the piston. Connecting rods are highly stressed by tensile, compressive, and bending forces. Therefore, they must exhibit both high strength and low mass.

Various designs of connecting rods are recognized (cross-sectional shape) which can be in the form of the letters H, X, or A. Forged connecting rods are also found in engines used in motorsport. They use reinforced steel alloys (such as 4130 or 300M), which ensure greater strength and reduced mass (compared to standard production connecting rods).