GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • EN-47836 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • J-43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides

    Object Number: 412431  Size: SH
  1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use NEW bearings.
  2. 1.1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
    1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  3. Install the J-43966-1 into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
  4. Install EN-47836 , piston, and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
  5. 3.1. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
    3.2. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
    3.3.  Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
    3.4. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
    3.5. Place the piston in its matching bore.
    3.6. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
    3.7. Hold the EN-47836 against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
    3.8.  Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.

    Object Number: 412430  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

  6. Install the connecting rod cap.
  7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  8. Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft), plus 100 degrees using the J 45059 .

  10. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.

  11. Object Number: 465919  Size: SH
  12. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gage.
  13. The correct clearance is 0.07-0.37 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).

Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation 2.4L

Special Tools

    • EN-43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides
    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • EN-47836 Piston Ring Compressor

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.


    Object Number: 2148493  Size: SH
  1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use NEW bearings.
  2. 1.1. Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.
    1.2. Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  3. Install the EN-43966-1 guides  (1) into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
  4. Install EN-47836 compressor , piston, and the connecting rod to the correct bore.
  5. 3.1. Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.
    3.2. Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.
    3.3.  Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.
    3.4. The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.
    3.5. Place the piston in its matching bore.
    3.6. Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.
    3.7. Hold the EN-47836 compressor against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.
    3.8.  Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.

    Object Number: 2146305  Size: SH

    Note: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

  6. Install the connecting rod cap (1).
  7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  8. Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts. Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) , plus 100 degrees using the J 45059 meter .
  9. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.

  10. Object Number: 2146375  Size: SH
  11. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gage (1).
  12. The correct clearance is 0.07-0.37 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).