Disclosed is a non-heat treated steel for hot forging, particularly
suitable for producing connecting rods of automobile engines. The steel
consists essentially of: by weight, C: 0.3-0.8%, Si: 0.1-2.0%, Mn:
0.3-1.5%, P: 0.01-0.15%, Cr: 0-1.0%, V: 0-0.4%, Al: 0-0.05%, N:
0.005-0.03% and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, provided
that the contents of C, Mn and Cr fulfill the following condition: 1.40[C
%]+0.28[Mn %]+0.50[Cr %].gtoreq.0.75 Pearlite area fraction in this steel
after hot forging is 50% or more. Notches are provided with laser beam on
an intermediate part at the location from which fracture starts, and load
is applied. Then, the intermediate is split to be two components (big end
or cap and small end/rod for connecting rod). The components are adhered
to form the parts.