GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 5239 Connecting Rod Bolt Guide Set

  1. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  2. Remove the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  3. Remove the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement .
  4. Turn the crankshaft until the piston and rod assembly to be serviced is at Bottom Dead Center (BDC).

  5. Object Number: 96318  Size: SH

    Important: Place matchmarks or numbers on the connecting rod and connecting rod caps. The connecting rod caps must be assembled to their original connecting rod.

  6. Remove the connecting rod nuts.
  7. Remove the connecting rod cap.
  8. Remove the lower connecting rod bearing.

  9. Object Number: 31373  Size: SH

    Notice: Install thread protector in order to avoid damage to the crankshaft journal.

  10. Install the J 5239 .
  11. Push the piston and connecting rod up the cylinder in order to gain access to the upper connecting rod bearing.
  12. Remove the upper connecting rod bearing.
  13. Wipe oil from the connecting rod bearings and crankshaft connecting rod journal.
  14. Inspect the connecting rod bearings. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Clean and Inspect .
  15. Inspect the connecting rod cap and connecting rod. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Clean and Inspect .
  16. Inspect the crankshaft connecting rod journal. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect .

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 5239 Connecting Rod Bolt Guide Set
    • J 36660-A Electronic Torque Angle Meter
  1. Install upper connecting rod bearing into connecting rod.
  2. Coat the inside surfaces of the upper connecting rod bearing with new engine oil.
  3. Using the J 5239 pull the piston and rod assembly down to the crankshaft.
  4. Remove the J 5239 .

  5. Object Number: 96318  Size: SH
  6. Install the lower connecting rod bearing into the connecting rod cap.
  7. Coat the inside surfaces of the lower connecting rod bearing with new engine oil.

  8. Object Number: 96318  Size: SH
  9. Install the connecting rod cap with lower connecting rod bearing.
  10. 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.

  11. Install the connecting rod nuts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). Evenly turn the nuts an additional 75 degrees using the J 36660-A .


    Object Number: 35206  Size: SH
  13. Measure the connecting rod clearance using the following procedure:
  14. 9.1. Install all connecting rod bearings.
    9.2. Lightly tap each connecting rod parallel to the crankpin in order to make sure the connecting rods have clearance.
    9.3. Measure the side clearance between the connecting rod caps using a feeler gage, or dial indicator. Refer to Crankpin (Rod Side Clearance) in Engine Mechanical Specifications for the connecting rod side clearance.
  15. Install the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement .
  16. Install the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  17. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .