GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 5239 Connecting Rod Bolt Guide Set
    •  J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 190530  Size: SH
  1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  2. Remove the spark plugs from the cylinders that are being serviced. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.1L.
  3. Position the connecting rod to be serviced to Bottom Dead Center (BDC) by rotating the crankshaft.
  4. Remove the oil pump bolt.
  5. Remove the oil pump and the oil pump driveshaft.

  6. Object Number: 105920  Size: SH
  7. Remove the crankshaft oil deflector nuts.
  8. Remove the crankshaft oil deflector.

  9. Object Number: 96339  Size: SH
  10. Remove the connecting rod cap nuts.
  11. Remove the connecting rod cap and the lower connecting rod bearing.
  12. Important: Keep the bearings with the original connecting rod and cap. Do this in order to reassemble the connecting rod.

  13. Remove the lower connecting rod bearing from the connecting rod cap.
  14. Install the J 5239 to the connecting rod.
  15. Use the J 5239 to push up the connecting rod and the piston to access the upper connecting rod bearing.
  16. Remove the upper connecting rod bearing.
  17. Wipe the oil from the bearings.
  18. Inspect the connecting rod bearings. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection .
  19. Measure the bearing clearance. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 96339  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not scrape, shim, or file bearing inserts. If the bearing surface of the insert is touched with bare fingers, the skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

    Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap bolt holes and the connecting rod cap mating surfaces are clean and dry.

  1. Use clean engine oil in order to lubricate the bearing surface.
  2. Install the upper connecting rod bearing.
  3. Use the J 5239 to pull down the piston, the connecting rod and the upper connecting rod bearing.
  4. Remove the J 5239 .
  5. Install the lower connecting rod bearing to the connecting rod cap.
  6. Install the connecting rod cap.
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the connecting rod cap nuts.
  9. Tighten

    1. Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).
    2. Use theJ 45059 to rotate the nuts an additional 75 degrees.
  10. Pry the connecting rod back and forth in order to check for binding. If necessary, loosen and then retighten the connecting rod cap nuts.

  11. Object Number: 35206  Size: SH
  12. Measure the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .

  13. Object Number: 105920  Size: SH
  14. Install the crankshaft oil deflector.
  15. Install the crankshaft oil deflector nuts.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 190530  Size: SH
  17. Install the oil pump driveshaft and the oil pump.
  18. Install the oil pump mounting bolt.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).

  20. Install the spark plugs to the cylinders that was serviced. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.1L.
  21. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  22. Inspect for proper oil pressure.
  23. Inspect for leaks.