For 1990-2009 cars

## Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearing Installation 2.4L

#### Special Tools

• | EN-43966-1 Connecting Rod Guides

• | J 45059 Angle Meter

• | EN-47836 Piston Ring Compressor

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

1. Install the connecting rod bearings. Use NEW 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 EN-47836 compressor , piston, 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-47836 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.

5. Install the connecting rod bolts. Always use new bolts. Tighten the connecting rod bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) , plus 100 degrees using the J 45059 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).