OEM 2008 Dodge Nitro Piston

2008 Dodge Nitro Piston Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Replace a Piston and Its Connecting Rod on 2008 Dodge Nitro?

  A: You should first take the negative cable from the battery to begin removing and replacing the piston and connecting rod. After that, uninstall the oil pan and the gasket/windage tray, the cylinder head covers, timing chain cover and the cylinder head(s). Should it be required, apply a reliable ridge reamer to the cylinder bores and ensure the ridge is removed to cover the tops of the pistons. The pistons and connecting rods are taken out from above the cylinder block and as the crankshaft is turned, each connecting rod is centered in its cylinder bore. Do not use a punch or stamp on the connecting rods or caps, since they may get damaged. Without injuring the faces of the fractured rod and cap, label their alignment points with a marker or scribe. After removing the cap, insert the Connecting Rod Guides 8507 into the connecting rod, take out the piston from the cylinder and do it for every piston. After you remove the piston and connecting rod, immediately put the bearing cap onto the mate connecting rod to protect the two fractured parts.