GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 45059 Angle Meter
    • KM-470-B Angular Torque Gage

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1241455  Size: SH
  1. Coat the connecting rod bearings with engine oil.
  2. Install the upper connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod journals.
  3. Install the lower connecting rod bearings into the connecting rod bearing caps.
  4. Important: Grease the connecting rod journals and lubricate the connecting rod bearings slightly so that the plastic gaging thread does not tear when the connecting rod bearing caps are removed.

  5. Measure all of the connecting rod bearing clearances using a commercially available plastic gaging, ductile plastic threads.
  6. Cut the plastic gaging threads (1) to the length of the bearing width. Lay them axially between the connecting rod journals and the connecting rod bearings.

  7. Object Number: 1241750  Size: SH
  8. Install the connecting rod bearing caps.
  9. Install the connecting rod bearing cap bolts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft). Using the J 45059 or the KM-470-B  (1), tighten the connecting rod bearing cap bolts plus 45 degrees plus 15 degrees.


    Object Number: 1241457  Size: SH
  11. Remove the connecting rod bearing caps.
  12. Measure the width of the flattened plastic thread (1) of the plastic gaging using the scale printed on the plastic gaging package. Plastic gaging is available for different tolerance ranges.
  13. Inspect the bearing clearance for permissible tolerance ranges. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .