How do you replace a rod bearing on a 1996 Chevy beretta?

Answer 1

Pull the piston (through the top, meaning that you'll need to remove the head).

Have a qualified machine shop recondition the rod since the "big end" has no doubt suffered SOME damage when the bearing went bad.

Turn the crankshaft to make the affected journal "round" again, meaning that you'll need to pull the crankshaft.

While you have it apart you'll probably notice that one or more OTHER bearings are worn through the babbit material. If you see copper on the bearing, don't re-use it. In fact, it's a good idea to have the machine shop check and recondition ALL rods, and since you'll probably have to turn more than one journal you may as well plan on all new bearings.

While you have the heads off and the pistons out, check for cylinder "taper". That's when the cylinder has worn a little over time. If you have noticeable taper, plan on boring the cylinders and replacing the pistons.

And since the heads are off, have them checked as well. There is absolutely no point in putting a worn head back on a new engine.

Also, check the cam and lifters for wear, and if you've gone that far, plan to replace the oil pump, timing chain...

In short, a bearing doesn't usually go bad all by itself. Most likely the rest of the engine is pretty well worn out too.