2002 JEEP LIBERTY alignment

designed to rotate the same number of turns (about
five complete rotations) as the steering wheel can be
turned from stop to stop. Centering the clockspring
indexes the clockspring tape to other steering compo-
nents so that it can operate within its designed
travel limits. The rotor of a centered clockspring can
be rotated two and one-half turns in either direction
from the centered position, without damaging the
clockspring tape.
However, if the clockspring is removed for service
or if the steering column is disconnected from the
steering gear, the clockspring tape can change posi-
tion relative to the other steering components. The
clockspring must then be re-centered following com-
pletion of such service or the clockspring tape may be
damaged. Service replacement clocksprings are
shipped pre-centered, with the release button
engaged (raised) and a molded plastic shield installed
over the release button. This release button should
not be disengaged and the shield should not be
removed until the clockspring has been installed on
the steering column. If the release button is disen-
gaged before the clockspring is installed on a steering
column, the clockspring centering procedure must be
performed.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
NOTE: Before starting this procedure, be certain to
turn the steering wheel until the front wheels are in
the straight-ahead position.
(1) Place the front wheels in the straight-ahead
position.
(2) Remove the clockspring from the steering col-
umn. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS/
CLOCKSPRING - REMOVAL).
(3) Depress the release button (Fig. 12).(4) Keeping the release button depressed, rotate
the clockspring rotor clockwise to the end of its
travel.Do not apply excessive torque.
(5) From the end of the clockwise travel, rotate the
rotor about two and one-half turns counterclockwise,
then release the release button. The clockspring
tower formation with the pigtail wires for the driver
airbag and the connector receptacle for the steering
wheel wire harness should end up at the top, the
blue roller should be visible through the inspection
window, and the printed arrow on the label of the
clockspring rotor should be aligned with the arrow
molded into the clockspring case. The clockspring is
now centered.
(6) The front wheels should still be in the straight-
ahead position. Reinstall the clockspring onto the
steering column. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/CLOCKSPRING - INSTALLATION).
REMOVAL
The clockspring cannot be repaired. It must be
replaced if faulty or damaged, or if the driver airbag
has been deployed.
Fig. 12 Clockspring Centering
1 - ROTOR LABEL
2 - RELEASE BUTTON
3 - ALIGNMENT ARROWS
4 - INSPECTION WINDOW
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 15
CLOCKSPRING (Continued)

(6) Remove the passenger airbag from the instru-
ment panel as a unit.
(7) If the passenger airbag has been deployed, both
passenger airbag mounting brackets on the instru-
ment panel must be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/RESTRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG
MOUNTING BRACKET - REMOVAL).
INSTALLATION
The following procedure is for replacement of a
faulty or damaged passenger airbag. If the passenger
airbag has been deployed, both passenger airbag
mounting brackets on the instrument panel must
also be replaced. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG MOUNTING
BRACKET - INSTALLATION).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REMOVING A DEPLOYED AIR-
BAG, RUBBER GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, AND A
LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT SHOULD BE WORN. THERE
MAY BE DEPOSITS ON THE AIRBAG UNIT AND
OTHER INTERIOR SURFACES. IN LARGE DOSES,
THESE DEPOSITS MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO THE
SKIN AND EYES.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE TO PREVENT ANY
FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM ENTERING THE PAS-
SENGER AIRBAG, OR BECOMING ENTRAPPED
BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG CUSHION
AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN
OCCUPANT INJURIES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT.
(1) Position the passenger airbag unit into the
instrument panel (Fig. 25).(2) Reconnect the passenger airbag pigtail wire
connector to the instrument panel wire harness con-
nector for the airbag. Be certain that the latch on the
connector and the red Connector Position Assurance
(CPA) lock are each fully engaged.
(3) Engage the passenger airbag wire harness con-
nector onto the retainer that secures the connector to
the metal bracket on the instrument panel support
structure above the airbag by aligning the right end
of the connector slot with the left end of the retainer
and sliding both halves of the connector to the right.
(4) Carefully position the passenger airbag unit
onto the two metal brackets on the instrument panel
support structure, being certain that the alignment
pin features on each side of the airbag are engaged
in the alignment holes in the metal brackets.
(5) Install and tighten the two screws on each side
of the passenger airbag that secure the passenger
airbag to the metal brackets on the instrument panel
support structure. Tighten the screws to 6 N´m (55
in. lbs.).
(6) Reinstall the passenger airbag door onto the
instrument panel. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/RE-
STRAINTS/PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR - INSTAL-
LATION).
(7) Do not reconnect the battery negative cable at
this time. The airbag system verification test proce-
dure should be performed following service of any
supplemental restraint system component. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/RESTRAINTS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - VERIFICATION TEST).
PASSENGER AIRBAG DOOR
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG,
PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER,
FRONT IMPACT SENSORS, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG,
OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS
OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE
BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN
WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACI-
TOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FUR-
THER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY
SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE
PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCI-
DENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
KJRESTRAINTS 8O - 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG (Continued)

(5) Reinstall the cowl plenum cover/grille panel
over the cowl plenum. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/COWL GRILLE - INSTALLATION).
(6) Reinstall both front wiper arms onto the wiper
pivots. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/FRONT WIPERS/
WASHERS/FRONT WIPER ARM - INSTALLATION).
(7) Close and latch the hood.
FRONT WIPER ARM
DESCRIPTION
The front wiper arms are the rigid members located
between the wiper pivots that protrude from the cowl
plenum cover/grille panel near the base of the wind-
shield and the wiper blades on the windshield glass
(Fig. 9). These wiper arms feature an over-center hinge
that allows easy access to the windshield glass for
cleaning. The wiper arm has a die cast metal pivot end
with a large tapered mounting hole at one end. A
molded black plastic cap fits over the wiper arm retain-
ing nut to conceal the nut and this mounting hole fol-
lowing wiper arm installation. The wide end of a
tapered, stamped steel channel hinges on and is secured
with a hinge pin to the blade end of the wiper arm pivot
end. One end of a long, rigid, stamped steel strap, with
a small hole near its pivot end, is riveted and crimped
within the narrow end of the stamped steel channel.
The tip of the wiper blade end of this strap is bent back
under itself to form a small hook. Concealed within the
stamped steel channel, one end of a long spring is
engaged with a wire hook on the underside of the diecast pivot end, while the other end of the spring is
hooked through the small hole in the steel strap. The
entire wiper arm has a satin black finish applied to all
of its visible surfaces.
A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
damaged or faulty, the entire wiper arm unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The front wiper arms are designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the wiper pivots to the wiper
blades. The wiper arm must be properly indexed to the
wiper pivot in order to maintain the proper wiper blade
travel on the glass. The tapered mounting hole in the
wiper arm pivot end interlocks with the serrations on
the tapered outer circumference of the wiper pivot shaft,
allowing positive engagement and finite adjustment of
this connection. The mounting nut locks the wiper arm
to the threaded stud of the wiper pivot shaft. The
spring-loaded wiper arm hinge controls the down-force
applied through the tip of the wiper arm to the wiper
blade on the glass. The hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm provides a cradle for securing and latching
the wiper blade pivot block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Lift the front wiper arm to its over-center posi-
tion to hold the wiper blade off of the glass and
relieve the spring tension on the wiper arm to wiper
pivot shaft connection.
(2) Carefully pry the plastic nut cap off of the
pivot end of the wiper arm (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove the nut that secures the wiper arm to
the wiper pivot shaft.
Fig. 9 Front Wiper Arm
1 - HOOK
2 - STRAP
3 - CHANNEL
4 - PIVOT END
5 - PIVOT HOLE
6 - HINGE PIN
7 - TENSION SPRING
Fig. 10 Front Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - FRONT WIPER BLADE & ARM (2)
2 - CAP (2)
3 - NUT (2)
4 - PIVOT SHAFT (2)
5 - T-SHAPED ALIGNMENT MARK (2)
8R - 12 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
FRONT WASHER NOZZLE (Continued)

(4) If necessary, use a suitable battery terminal
puller to disengage the wiper arm from the wiper
pivot shaft (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove the front wiper arm pivot end from the
wiper pivot shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Be certain that the wiper motor is in the park
position before attempting to install the front wiper
arms. Turn the ignition switch to the On position
and move the control knob on the right (wiper) con-
trol stalk of the multi-function switch to its Off posi-
tion. If the wiper pivots move, wait until they stop
moving, then turn the ignition switch back to the
Off position. The wiper motor is now in its park
position.
(1) The front wiper arms must be indexed to the
wiper pivot shafts with the wiper motor in the park
position to be properly installed. Position the front
wiper arm pivot ends onto the wiper pivot shafts so
that the tip of the wiper blade is aligned with the
T-shaped wiper alignment lines located in the lower
edge of the windshield glass (Fig. 10).
(2) Once the wiper blade is aligned, lift the wiper
arm away from the windshield slightly to relieve the
spring tension on the pivot end and push the pivot
hole on the end of the wiper arm down firmly and
evenly over the wiper pivot shaft.
(3) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
wiper arm to the wiper pivot shaft. Tighten the nut
to 24 N´m (18 ft. lbs.).
(4) Wet the windshield glass, then operate the
front wipers. Turn the front wipers Off, then checkfor the correct wiper arm position and readjust as
required.
(5) Reinstall the plastic nut cap onto the wiper
arm pivot nut.
FRONT WIPER BLADE
DESCRIPTION
Each front wiper blade is secured by an integral
latching pivot block to the hook formation on the tip
of the front wiper arms, and rests on the glass near
the base of the windshield when the wipers are not
in operation (Fig. 12). The wiper blade consists of the
following components:
²Superstructure- The superstructure includes
several stamped steel bridges and links with claw
formations that grip the wiper blade element. Also
included in this unit is the latching, molded plastic
pivot block that secures the superstructure to the
wiper arm. The driver side front wiper blade has an
additional molded black plastic airfoil secured to the
superstructure, which is oriented toward the base of
the windshield when the front wipers are in their
parked position. All of the metal components of the
wiper blade have a satin black finish applied.
²Element- The wiper element or squeegee is the
resilient rubber member of the wiper blade that con-
tacts the glass.
²Flexor- The flexor is a rigid metal component
running along the length of each side of the wiper
Fig. 11 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT SHAFT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
Fig. 12 Front Wiper Blade
1 - SUPERSTRUCTURE
2 - ELEMENT
3 - PIVOT BLOCK
4 - RELEASE TAB
5 - PIVOT PIN
6 - CLAWS
7 - FLEXOR
KJFRONT WIPERS/WASHERS 8R - 13
FRONT WIPER ARM (Continued)

headliner hose is glued to top of the headliner and
routed along the right roof side rail to the rear of the
vehicle. At the rear of the vehicle, the headliner hose
passes through a hole at the rear portion of the roof
rear inner header panel and is connected to the rear
check valve. From the rear check valve, there is a
short section of hose that connects the rear check
valve to the rear washer nozzle.
Washer hose is available for service only as roll
stock, which must then be cut to length. The head-
liner washer hose is integral to the headliner unit
and, if faulty or damaged, the headliner unit must be
replaced. However, the headliner hose is marked
with a white cut line on the A-pillar where the hose
should be cut and spliced with a plastic in-line con-
nector fitting to facilitate headliner removal without
the need to remove the instrument panel. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/HEADLINER - REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION). The molded plastic washer
hose fittings cannot be repaired. If these fittings are
faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
OPERATION
Washer fluid in the washer reservoir is pressurized
and fed by the washer pump/motor through the rear
washer system plumbing and fittings to the rear
washer nozzle located on the roof panel above the
rear flip-up glass opening. Whenever routing the
washer hose or a wire harness containing a washer
hose, it must be routed away from hot, sharp, or
moving parts; and, sharp bends that might pinch the
hose must be avoided.
REAR WASHER NOZZLE
DESCRIPTION
The rear washer nozzle is a fluidic-type unit con-
structed of molded plastic (Fig. 6). The nozzle is
secured by a snap fit in a dedicated mounting hole
located in the rear edge of the roof panel above the
rear flip-up glass opening and to the right of the
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) unit. A
rubber gasket on the back of the nozzle seals the noz-
zle to the roof panel opening. The back of the nozzle
includes an integral alignment feature on the left
side, an integral engagement tab on the top, an inte-
gral latch feature on the bottom, and the washer
plumbing nipple which are all concealed between the
outer roof panel and the rear roof inner header. The
rear washer nozzle latch feature is a one time com-
ponent, and will be damaged if the nozzle is removed
from its mounting hole for service. The rear washer
nozzle cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the entire nozzle unit must be replaced.
OPERATION
The rear washer nozzle is designed to dispense
washer fluid into the wiper pattern area on the out-
side of the rear flip-up glass. Pressurized washer
fluid is fed to the nozzle from the washer reservoir by
the washer pump/motor through a single hose, which
is attached to a barbed nipple on the back of the rear
washer nozzle. The rear washer nozzle incorporates a
fluidic design, which causes the nozzle to emit the
pressurized washer fluid as an oscillating stream to
more effectively cover a larger area of the glass area
to be cleaned.
REMOVAL
NOTE: The rear washer nozzle latch feature is a one
time component, and will be damaged if the nozzle is
removed from its mounting hole for service. If
removed from its mounting hole for any reason, the
rear washer nozzle must be replaced with a new unit.
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the bottom of the rear
washer nozzle away from the roof panel until the
latch feature at the bottom of the nozzle that secures
it in the mounting hole of the roof panel snaps.
(2) Pull the rear washer nozzle out from the roof
panel far enough to access the washer hose (Fig. 7).
(3) Disconnect the washer hose from the barbed
nipple on the back of the rear washer nozzle.
(4) Discard the rear washer nozzle.
Fig. 6 Rear Washer Nozzle
1 - ENGAGEMENT TAB (TOP)
2 - GASKET
3 - REAR WASHER NOZZLE
4 - ALIGNMENT FEATURE
5 - ORIFICE
6 - LATCH FEATURE (BOTTOM)
7 - NIPPLE
8R - 36 REAR WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
REAR WASHER HOSES/TUBES (Continued)

A wiper arm cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
damaged or faulty, the entire wiper arm unit must be
replaced.
OPERATION
The rear wiper arm is designed to mechanically
transmit the motion from the rear wiper motor out-
put shaft to the rear wiper blade. The wiper arm
must be properly indexed to the motor output shaft
in order to maintain the proper wiper blade travel on
the glass. The wiper arm support is designed to lift
and support the rear wiper arm and blade off of the
glass when the rear wiper blade is parked. This sup-
port and the park ramp on the tailgate outer panel
below the glass also provide an alignment reference
to ensure accurate rear wiper arm and blade instal-
lation. The tapered hole in the wiper arm pivot end
is interlocks with the serrations on the outer circum-
ference of the tapered motor output shaft, allowing
positive engagement and finite adjustment of this
connection. A hex nut secures the wiper arm pivot
end to the threads on the rear wiper motor output
shaft and the pivot cover hinges and snaps over this
connection for a neat appearance. The spring-loaded
wiper arm hinge controls the down-force applied
through the tip of the wiper arm to the wiper blade
on the glass. The hook formation on the tip of the
wiper arm provides a cradle for securing and latching
the wiper blade pivot block to the wiper arm.
REMOVAL
(1) Lift the rear wiper arm pivot cover by lifting it
at the rear wiper motor output shaft end of the arm
(Fig. 9).
(2) Remove the nut that secures the rear wiper
arm to the rear wiper motor output shaft.
(3) If necessary, use a battery terminal puller to
disengage the wiper arm from the rear wiper motor
output shaft splines (Fig. 10).
NOTE: Depending upon the size and type of puller
used, it may be necessary to remove the spare tire
from the tailgate. Refer to the owner's manual in the
vehicle glove box for information on removing the
spare tire from the tailgate.
(4) Remove the rear wiper arm pivot end from the
motor output shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Always install the wiper arm and blade with
the wiper motor in the Park position.
(1) The rear wiper arm must be indexed to the
motor output shaft with the rear wiper motor in the
park position to be properly installed. Place thewiper arm onto the tailgate with the wiper arm sup-
port positioned on the park ramp and the tapered
mounting hole on the pivot end of the arm positioned
over the rear wiper motor output shaft.
(2) Position the tab on the back of the rear wiper
arm support on the tailgate park ramp in the Instal-
lation Position (Fig. 11).
(3) With the wiper arm in the Installation Posi-
tion, push the tapered mounting hole on the pivot
end of the wiper arm down over the rear wiper motor
output shaft.
Fig. 9 Rear Wiper Arm Remove/Install
1 - SPARE TIRE
2 - WRENCH
3 - FLIP-UP GLASS
4 - PARK RAMP
5 - REAR WIPER ARM
6 - PIVOT COVER
Fig. 10 Wiper Arm Puller - Typical
1 - WIPER ARM
2 - WIPER PIVOT
3 - BATTERY TERMINAL PULLER
8R - 38 REAR WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
REAR WIPER ARM (Continued)

Once the block has been completely cleaned, apply
Loctite PST pipe sealant with Teflon 592 to the
threads of the front and rear oil galley plugs. Tighten
the plugs to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSPECTION
(1) It is mandatory to use a dial bore gauge to
measure each cylinder bore diameter. To correctly
select the proper size piston, a cylinder bore gauge,
capable of reading in 0.003 mm (.0001 in.) INCRE-
MENTS is required. If a bore gauge is not available,
do not use an inside micrometer (Fig. 33).
(2) Measure the inside diameter of the cylinder
bore at three levels below top of bore. Start perpen-
dicular (across or at 90 degrees) to the axis of the
crankshaft and then take two additional reading.
(3) Measure the cylinder bore diameter crosswise
to the cylinder block near the top of the bore. Repeat
the measurement near the middle of the bore, then
repeat the measurement near the bottom of the bore.
(4) Determine taper by subtracting the smaller
diameter from the larger diameter.
(5) Rotate measuring device 90É and repeat steps
above.(6) Determine out-of-roundness by comparing the
difference between each measurement.
(7) If cylinder bore taper does not exceed 0.025
mm (0.001 inch) and out-of-roundness does not
exceed 0.025 mm (0.001 inch), the cylinder bore can
be honed. If the cylinder bore taper or out- of-round
condition exceeds these maximum limits, the cylinder
block must be replaced. A slight amount of taper
always exists in the cylinder bore after the engine
has been in use for a period of time.
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CONNECTING ROD
BEARING - FITTING
Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring and
bent alignment tabs (Fig. 34) (Fig. 35). Check the
bearings for normal wear patterns, scoring, grooving,
fatigue and pitting (Fig. 36). Replace any bearing
that shows abnormal wear.
Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of
scoring, nicks and burrs.
Fig. 33 Bore GaugeÐTypical
1 - FRONT
2 - BORE GAUGE
3 - CYLINDER BORE
4 - 38 MM (1.5 in)
Fig. 34 Connecting Rod Bearing Inspection
1 - UPPER BEARING HALF
2 - MATING EDGES
3 - GROOVES CAUSED BY ROD BOLTS SCRATCHING
JOURNAL DURING INSTALLATION
4 - WEAR PATTERN Ð ALWAYS GREATER ON UPPER
BEARING
5 - LOWER BEARING HALF
9 - 40 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
ENGINE BLOCK (Continued)

Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause
abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder
walls, connecting rod bearings and crankshaft con-
necting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to
any of these components indicate the probability of a
misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod
alignment. Replace misaligned, bent or twisted con-
necting rods.
(1) Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.
(2) Lubricate the upper bearing insert and install
in connecting rod.
(3) Use piston ring compressor and Guide Pins
Special Tool 8507 (Fig. 37) to install the rod and pis-
ton assemblies. The oil slinger slots in the rods must
face front of the engine. The ªFº's near the piston
wrist pin bore should point to the front of the engine.
(4) Install the lower bearing insert in the bearing
cap. The lower insert must be dry. Place strip of Plas-
tigage across full width of the lower insert at the cen-
ter of bearing cap. Plastigage must not crumble in
use. If brittle, obtain fresh stock.
(5) Install bearing cap and connecting rod on the
journal and tighten bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus a
90É turn. DO NOT rotate crankshaft. Plastigage will
smear, resulting in inaccurate indication.(6) Remove the bearing cap and determine amount
of bearing-to-journal clearance by measuring the
width of compressed Plastigage (Fig. 38). Refer to
Engine Specifications for the proper clearance.Plas-
tigage should indicate the same clearance
across the entire width of the insert. If the
clearance varies, it may be caused by either a
tapered journal, bent connecting rod or foreign
material trapped between the insert and cap or
rod.
(7) If the correct clearance is indicated, replace-
ment of the bearing inserts is not necessary. Remove
the Plastigage from crankshaft journal and bearing
insert. Proceed with installation.
(8) If bearing-to-journal clearance exceeds the
specification, determin which services bearing set to
use the bearing sizes are as follows:
Fig. 35 Locking Tab Inspection
1 - ABNORMAL CONTACT AREA CAUSED BY LOCKING TABS
NOT FULLY SEATED OR BEING BENT
Fig. 36 Scoring Caused by Insufficient Lubrication
or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Fig. 37 Piston and Connecting Rod -Installation -
Typical
1 - ªFº TOWARD FRONT OF ENGINE
2 - OIL SLINGER SLOT
3 - RING COMPRESSOR
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 8507
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 41
CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS (Continued)