OEM 2009 Dodge Nitro Piston

2009 Dodge Nitro Piston Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Replace a Piston and Its Connecting Rod on 2009 Dodge Nitro?

  A: The first thing to do is disconnect the negative cable from the battery before working on the connecting rod and piston. Remove the oil pan and gasket/windage tray, remove both cylinder head covers, remove the timing chain cover and take out each cylinder head(s) afterward. Should you need to, place a ridge reamer on the top ridge of the cylinders to ensure all of the bores are clear before taking away the pistons. At the top of the cylinder block, each piston and connecting rod need to be taken off as you turn the crankshaft to make them all center in their cylinder bores. You should not stamp or punch your connecting rods or heads to prevent any damage. Marke the places of the connecting rods and bearing caps using a permanent ink marker or scribe tool so you don't damage the parts where the rod and cap meet. After removing the connecting rod cap, put the Connecting Rod Guides 8507 inside the connecting rod being removed, pull out the piston from the cylinder bore and do this for every piston. Be careful not to scratch the crankshaft journals to keep the engine protected. Remove the piston and connecting rod and, with immediate effect, attach the bearing cap to the matching connecting rod so as not to damage the surfaces on the broken rod and cap.