For 1990-2009 cars

## Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation LDK

#### Special Tools

• | EN-43953 Piston Ring Compressor

• | EN-43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides

• | EN-45059 Angle Meter

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

1. Install the NEW connecting rod bearings.

1.1. | Install the bearing inserts into the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap.

1.2. | Lubricate the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.

2. Install the EN-43966-1 guides (1) into the connecting rod bolt holes. This protects the crankshaft journal during piston and connecting rod installation.
3. Install the EN-43953 compressor , the piston (2), and the connecting rod to the correct bore.

3.1. | Stagger each piston ring end gap equally around the piston.

3.2. | Lubricate the piston and the piston rings with engine oil.

3.3. | Do not disturb the piston ring end gap location.

3.4. | The piston must be installed so that the mark on the top of the piston faces the front of the engine.

3.5. | Place the piston in its matching bore.

3.6. | Tap the piston into its bore with a hammer handle. Guide the connecting rod to the connecting rod journal while tapping the piston into place.

3.7. | Hold the EN-43953 compressor against the engine block until all the rings have entered the cylinder bore.

3.8. | Remove the connecting rod guides from the connecting rod bolt holes.

Note: Ensure that the connecting rod cap is properly oriented on the connecting rod.

4. Install the connecting rod cap (1).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

Note: Always use NEW bolts.

5. Install NEW connecting rod bolts and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) plus 100 degrees using the EN-45059 angle meter .
6. Install the remaining connecting rods and piston assemblies.
7. Measure the connecting rod side clearance with a feeler gage (1).

The correct clearance is 0.07-0.37 mm (0.0027-0.0145 in).