Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required : J 43654 Piston Pin Retaining Clip Remover/Installer

Lubricate the piston pin with clean engine oil.
Install one of the piston pin retainers into the retainer groove.

Fig 1: Installing Piston Pin Retainers

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Install the connecting rod and piston pin. Push the piston pin in until it bottoms against the installed piston pin retainer.

Fig 2: Installing Connecting Rod And Piston Pin

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Install the second piston pin retainer.

Fig 3: Installing Second Piston Pin Retainer
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NOTE: Use a piston ring expander to install the piston rings. The rings may be damaged if expanded more than necessary.

IMPORTANT: The piston ring end gaps must be staggered 90 degrees apart.
Install the following components of the bottom ring assembly (oil control ring).
1. 5.1. The expander
2. 5.2. The lower oil control ring
3. 5.3. The upper oil control ring

Fig 4: Installing Bottom Ring Assembly (Oil Control Ring) Components

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Install the middle ring (compression ring) with the manufacturers mark facing up.
Install the top ring.

Fig 5: Installing Top Ring

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