Piston Ring Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Control Ring Expander

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Properly orient the oil control ring expander as shown before installation. The ends of the expander must be facing toward the top of the piston.

Fig 2: Identifying Piston Ring
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Using a piston ring expander, install the oil control ring assembly using the following procedure:
1. Install the expander ring (3).
2. Install the 2 oil scraper rings (4). Expand the rings only enough to clear the piston diameter. Overexpanding the piston rings will distort or crack the rings.
  
  Fig 3: Installing Piston Rings Using Ring Expander
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install the second and top piston rings using the ring expander. Ensure that you do not overexpand the rings.

Fig 4: Identifying Piston Rings Gap Direction
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Once the rings are installed, set the ring gaps for the oil control, second and top ring as follows. Use the piston location arrow for reference.
1. Lower oil control ring - position 1
2. Upper oil control ring - position 2
3. Top Ring - position 3
4. Oil control ring expander - position 4
5. Second ring - position 5