Piston Ring Side Clearance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Measure side clearance of piston ring and piston ring groove with feeler gauge.
Standard Side Clearance

Top ring: 0.045 - 0.080 mm (0.0018 - 0.0031 in)

2nd ring: 0.030 - 0.070 mm (0.0012 - 0.0028 in)

Oil ring: 0.065 - 0.135 mm (0.0026 - 0.0053 in)

Maximum Limit

Top ring: 0.11 mm (0.0043 in)

2nd ring: 0.1 mm (0.004 in)

Oil ring: -

Fig 1: Measuring Side Clearance Of Piston Ring And Piston Ring Groove
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If out of specification, replace piston ring assembly. If clearance exceeds maximum limit with new rings, replace piston