Piston and Connecting Rod Assemble

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 GMC Savana 3500, 2019 GMC Savana 2500, 2019 Chevrolet Express 3500, and 2019 Chevrolet Express 2500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools

EN - 46745 Piston Pin Clip Remover/Installer

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools

Lubricate the piston pin bores in the piston, the piston pin, and the connecting rod pin bore with clean engine oil.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:
The left side and right side piston and rod assemblies are assembled differently.

Ensure that on the right side piston and rod assemblies, the arrow on the top of the piston (1) and the dimple on the rod (2) are facing the same direction.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Ensure that on the left side piston and rod assemblies, the arrow on the top of the piston (1) and the dimple on the rod (2) are facing the opposite direction.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Install the piston pin (1) to the piston and connecting rod.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:
NEW piston pin retainers must be used. Never reuse the piston pin retainers.

Install NEW piston pin retainers using the EN - 46745 Piston Pin Clip Remover/Installer. Align the EN - 46745 Piston Pin Clip Remover/Installer to one of the notches (1) in the piston.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:
When installing piston rings, use a ring expander plier type tool. Do not roll the rings into the grooves of the piston. Use caution and care to expand the rings only slightly larger than the outside diameter (OD) of the piston.

Using piston ring pliers, install the piston rings onto the piston.
Position the oil control ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

The upper and lower compression rings have either a dimple (1) or the word "TOP" (2) on the top side of the ring. The rings should be installed so that either of these marks are facing the top of the piston.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

The lower compression ring has a groove on the bottom of the ring. The groove on the lower compression ring should face the bottom of the piston.
Position the compression ring end gaps 180 degrees opposite each other.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Install the connecting rod bearings to the rod and cap.