Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Replacement

Removal Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 5239 Connecting Rod Bolt Guide Set
- J 24270 Cylinder Bore Ridge Reamer





1. Remove the cylinder head(s). Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement (Engine Left Side) or Cylinder Head Replacement (Engine Right Side).
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
4. Remove the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Removal.
5. Remove the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement.
6. Rotate the crankshaft until the piston and rod assembly to be serviced is at Bottom Dead Center (BDC).
7. Mark the piston with the number of the cylinder from which the piston is being removed.
8. Mark the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap in order to ensure correct assembly.

Notice: If there is a pronounced ridge at the top of the piston travel, the ridge must be removed with a ridge reamer before the piston and connecting rod assembly are removed. Applying force may break the piston rings or damage the piston.

9. Use the J 24270 Complete the following steps:
9.1. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at the bottom of the stroke.
9.2. Cover the piston with a cloth.
9.3. Remove the cylinder ring ridge.
9.4. Turn the crankshaft until the piston is at the top of the stroke.
9.5. Remove the cloth.
9.6. Remove the metal shavings from the cylinder and piston.





10. Remove the connecting rod nuts and cap.
11. Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half.

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

12. Remove the connecting rod and piston assembly. Push out the assembly using a suitable tool.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Inspect the piston. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Clean and Inspect.
15. Inspect the connecting rod bearings. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Clean and inspect.
16. Inspect the connecting rod cap and connecting rod. Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Clean and Inspect.
17. Inspect the crankshaft connecting rod journal. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect.
18. Hone the cylinder bore.
19. Clean the cylinder bores with hot water and detergent.
20. Dry the cylinder bores with a clean, dry cloth.
21. Use a clean dry cloth in order to swab the cylinder bores with NEW engine oil.

Installation Procedure

^ Tools Required
- J 5239 Connecting Rod Guide.
- J 8037 Piston Ring Compressor
- J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter





1. Lubricate the cylinder wall and piston rings with clean engine oil.
2. Turn the crankshaft to bottom dead center.
3. Install the J 5239.





4. Install the J 8037
5. Install the piston and connecting rod assembly.

Important: Ensure that the arrow on top of the piston or the markings made during removal face towards the front of the engine, or are in the same location as when removed.

6. Remove the thread protectors.

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.

7. Perform one of the following items in order to seat the connecting rod bearing caps:
^ Push on the bearing by hand.
^ Carefully, lightly tap the bearing caps using a suitable tool.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

8. Install the connecting rod bearing cap nuts.
^ Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap nuts to 20 Nm (115 ft. lbs.). Use the J 36660-A in order to rotate the nuts an additional 75 degrees.
9. Pry the connecting rod back and forth using a suitable tool. Inspect for binding. Loosen and retighten the bearing cap, as needed.





10. Measure the connecting rod side clearance.
11. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
12. Install the crankshaft oil deflector. Refer to Crankshaft Oil Deflector Replacement.
13. Install the oil pump. Refer to Oil Pump Installation.
14. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Install the cylinder head(s). Refer to Cylinder Head Replacement (Engine Left Side) or Cylinder Head Replacement (Engine Right Side).