GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    •  J 8037 Universal Piston Ring Compressor
    •  J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter
  1. Lubricate the cylinder wall and the piston with clean engine oil.
  2. Turn the crankcase to the bottom dead center.

  3. Object Number: 57346  Size: SH
  4. Install the connecting rod thread protector.

  5. Object Number: 57345  Size: SH
  6. Install the J 8037 .
  7. Notice: Guide the lower connecting rod end carefully to avoid damaging the crankshaft journal.

  8. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly.

  9. Object Number: 57346  Size: SH
  10. Remove the thread protectors.
  11. Install the connecting rod bearings.
  12. Notice: In order to prevent the possibility of rod bolt or bearing cap damage, the bearing caps may need to be tapped into position with a brass or leather mallet before the attaching nuts are installed. Do not use the attaching nuts to pull the bearing caps onto the rod. Failure to observe this information may result in damage to the rod bolt or the bearing cap.


    Object Number: 57375  Size: SH
  13. Seat the bearing caps by pushing on by hand or by carefully taping it lightly with a suitable tool.
  14. Install the bearing cap nuts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). Refer to

    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.

    .

    Turn the nuts an additional 75° withJ 36660-A .

  16. Inspect the connecting rod for binding. Do this by prying the connecting rod back and forth with a suitable tool and check for binding. If necessary, loosen and retighten the bearing cap.

  17. Object Number: 5163  Size: SH
  18. Measure the amount of connecting rod side clearance.