GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • KM-470-B Angular Torque Gage
    • J 8087 Cylinder Bore Gage or Equivalent

Inspection Procedure - Connecting Rods


    Object Number: 1289905  Size: SH
  1. Coat the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  2. Install the upper connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod journals.
  3. Install the lower connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod bearing caps.
  4. Important: Grease the connecting rod journals and lubricate the connecting rod bearings slightly so that the plastic gaging thread does not tear when the connecting rod bearing caps are removed.

  5. Inspect all of the connecting rod bearing clearances using a commercially available plastic gaging, ductile plastic threads.
  6. Cut the plastic gaging threads to the length of the bearing width. Lay them axially between the connecting rod journals and the connecting rod bearings.

  7. Object Number: 1289862  Size: SH
  8. Install the connecting rod bearing caps.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  10. Install the connecting rod bearing cap bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft) using a torque wrench. Using J 45059 and KM-470-B  (1), tighten the bolts plus 45 degrees plus 15 degrees.


    Object Number: 1289906  Size: SH
  12. Remove the connecting rod bearing caps.
  13. Measure the width of the flattened plastic thread of the plastic gaging using a ruler. Plastic gaging is available for different tolerance ranges.
  14. Inspect the bearing clearance for permissible tolerance ranges.