GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2009 🢒 Canyon Pickup - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.7L 🢒 Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation

Special Tools

    • EN-48260 Piston Ring Compressor
    • J 41556 Connecting Rod Guide
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.


    Object Number: 637735 Size: SH
  1. Rotate the crankshaft so the connecting rod journal for the piston being installed is at Bottom Dead Center.
  2. Lubricate the cylinder wall with engine oil.
  3. Lubricate the piston and rings with engine oil.
  4. Stagger the ring end gaps 90 degrees apart.
  5. Use EN-48260 compressor to compress the rings.
  6. Install the connecting rod bearings into the connecting rods and caps (1).

    7. Object Number: 858329 Size: SH
  7. Lubricate the connecting rod bearing contact surfaces with engine oil.
  8. Install the J 41556 guide into the connecting rod.

    9. Object Number: 715594 Size: SH

    Note: The piston and cylinder bore have been measured and the bore has been sized for the proper clearance. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly into the proper cylinder bore. The piston alignment mark MUST face the front of the engine block (1) or the flat casting boss (2).

  9. Install the connecting rod and piston into the proper cylinder bore.

    10. Object Number: 1723224 Size: SH

    Note: The oil hole, in the connecting rod, should be facing the exhaust side of the block.

  10. Make sure to install the connecting rod facing the right direction.

    11. Object Number: 1619821 Size: SH
  11. Hold EN-48260 compressor firmly against the engine block. Using a wooden hammer handle, lightly tap the top of the piston until all of the piston rings enter the cylinder bore.

    12. Object Number: 637721 Size: SH
  12. Guide the connecting rod end onto the crankshaft journal.

    13. Use J 41556 guide to pull the connecting rod into place.

    Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  13. Install the connecting rod bearing, cap, and bolts.
    14. 13.1. Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts on the first pass to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    13.2. Use J 45059 meter to tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts on the second pass an additional 110 degrees.

    Object Number: 654701 Size: SH
  14. With the pistons and connecting rods installed, use a soft faced mallet and lightly tap each connecting rod assembly parallel to the crankshaft.
  15. Measure the connecting rod side clearance using a feeler gauge. Connecting rod side clearance should be between 0.05-0.35 mm (0.0019-0.0137 in).