Nissan Repair: 2003 Infiniti G35 Connecting Rod Bearing, 2003 infiniti g35, infiniti g35 coupe

Question
I have a 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe and the connection rod bearing on the #1 cylinder needs to be replced. Mechanic suggests installing a rebuilt or repo engine. car and engine has about 200,000 kilometers on it. I want to know if it's possible to replace the bearing by just dropping the oil pan. Mechanic said there was a stud girdle in the way and the engine had to come out to pull the crank and polish the journal. I want to take a chance and not polish the journal and just replace the bearing but again want to know if this is possible without major engine surgury.

Answer
Terry,

If number one has spun the rod bearing insert I would replace the crank with a reground unit along with a resized or new number one rod.  It is not worth the chance.  Yes, the engine has a girdle and that means the engine has to come out to get the girdle off to access the number one rod.  I would not just replace the insert on number one rod unless you trade the car the next day.  Another option is a good used engine as a swap.  Your choice here.  But, I have had problems with just an insert bearing replacment and it spinning too and causing you to do al the work over again.