Tools Required

1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
2. Remove the spark plug(s) from the cylinder(s) that is being serviced. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
3. Position the connecting rod to be serviced to Bottom Dead Center (BDC) by rotating the crankshaft.



4. Remove the connecting rod cap bolts.
5. Remove the connecting rod cap and lower connecting rod bearing.

Important: Keep the bearings with the original connecting rod and cap. Do this in order to reassemble the connecting rod.

6. Remove the lower connecting rod bearing from the connecting rod cap.



7. Install the J 41507 to the connecting rod.
8. Use the J 41507 in order to push up the connecting rod and piston and access the upper connecting rod bearing.
9. Remove the upper connecting rod bearing.
10. Wipe the oil from the bearings.
11. Inspect the connecting rod bearings. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
12. Measure the bearing clearance. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearing Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.

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: Make sure that the connecting rod cap bolt holes and the connecting rod cap mating surfaces are clean and dry.

1. Dip the connecting rod cap bolts in clean engine oil.
2. Use clean engine oil in order to lubricate the bearing surface.
3. Install the upper connecting rod bearing.
4. Use the J 41507 in order to pull down the piston, connecting rod and upper connecting rod bearing.
5. Remove the J 41507 .



6. Install the lower connecting rod bearing to the connecting rod cap.
7. Install the connecting rod cap.

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 cap bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the connecting rod cap bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the connecting rod cap bolts an additional 50 degrees.

9. Pry the connecting rod back and forth in order to check for binding. If necessary, loosen and then retighten the connecting rod cap bolts.



10. Measure the connecting rod side clearance. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .
11. Install the spark plug(s). Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
12. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
13. Inspect for proper oil pressure.
14. Inspect for leaks.