Chevrolet Trailblazer Service Manual page 185

CAUTION
The sharp threads of the rod bolts/studs can score the crankshaft journal. Install rubber
hose sections or plastic caps over the rod bolts when pushing the piston and connecting
rod assembly out of the engine.
Carefully tap the piston out of the bore using a wooden
hammer handle or piston knocker
Reposition the engine block, so that the number one cylinder bore (head surface) is facing
up. Rotate the crankshaft until the number one piston is at the bottom of its travel. This will
allow the maximum access to its connecting rod. Remove the connecting rod fasteners
and cap. Place two lengths of rubber hose over the rod bolts/studs to protect the
crankshaft from damage. Using a wooden hammer handle (or piston hammer), push the
connecting rod up about 1 in. (25mm) from the crankshaft and remove the upper bearing
insert. Continue pushing or tapping the connecting rod up until the piston rings are out of
the cylinder bore. Remove the piston and rod by hand, put the upper half of the bearing
insert back into the rod, install the cap with its bearing insert installed, and hand-tighten the
cap fasteners. On V-style engines, remove all of the pistons from one bank, then
reposition the engine with the other cylinder bank head surface up, and remove that bank's
piston assemblies.
Loosen the main bearing caps evenly until the bolts can be turned by hand. Remove the
bolts and caps. Remove the crankshaft from the engine block. Clean all the components.