GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tool Required

J 38834 Balance Shaft Bearing Service Kit

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  2. Remove the engine cover. Refer to SECTION 10A4.

  3. Object Number: 26015  Size: SH
  4. Remove the air cleaner box and the intake duct.
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. Remove the air conditioning compressor, the bracket, and the accessory drive bracket. Refer to SECTION 1B.
  7. Remove the radiator. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  8. Remove the air conditioning condenser. Refer to SECTION 1B.
  9. Remove the engine cooling fan. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  10. Remove the water pump. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  11. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  12. Drain the engine oil.
  13. Remove the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  14. Important: Use care when removing the front cover from the front of the oil pan seal.

  15. Remove the front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .

  16. Object Number: 5143  Size: SH
  17. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolts and the nut.
  18. Important: 

       • Service the balance shaft and the front bearing only as an assembly.
       • Use only the correct tools for bearing and shaft replacement.
       • Do not remove the front bearing from the balance shaft
       • Service the balance shaft drive and driven gears only as a set. The set includes the balance shaft driven gear bolt.
    Remove the timing chain, the camshaft sprocket, and the balance shaft drive gear.


    Object Number: 5136  Size: SH
  19. Remove the balance driven gear.

  20. Object Number: 5137  Size: SH
  21. Remove the balance shaft retainer.
  22. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .

  23. Object Number: 4577  Size: SH
  24. Remove the valve lifter retainer.

  25. Object Number: 5139  Size: SH
  26. Remove the balance shaft and the front bearing. Use a soft faced hammer.

  27. Object Number: 5140  Size: SH
  28. Remove the balance shaft rear bearing. Use the J 38834 .
  29. Clean all traces of the old gasket material from the gasket sealing surfaces.
  30. Inspect the balance shaft drive and the driven gears for nicks and burrs.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 38834 Balance Shaft Bearing Service Kit
    • J 36996 Shaft Installer
    • J 8092 Driver Handle
    • J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter
  1. Dip the balance shaft rear bearing in clean engine oil before installation.
  2. Install the balance shaft rear bearing. Use the J 38834 .

  3. Object Number: 5141  Size: SH
  4. Dip the front balance shaft bearing into clean engine oil before assembly.
  5. Install the balance shaft into the block. Use the J 36996 and the J 8092 .

  6. Object Number: 5137  Size: SH
  7. Install the balance shaft bearing retainer.
  8. Install the balance shaft bearing retainer bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 14 N·m (120 lb in).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 5136  Size: SH
  10. Install the balance shaft driven gear.
  11. Install the balance shaft driven gear bolt.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft driven gear bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) plus an additional turn of 35 degrees using the J 36660-A .


    Object Number: 4577  Size: SH
  13. Install the valve lifter retainer.

  14. Object Number: 9848  Size: SH
  15. Rotate the balance shaft by hand in order to make sure that there is clearance between the balance shaft and the valve lifter retainer. Replace the valve lifter retainer if necessary.
  16. Turn the camshaft with the balance shaft drive gear temporarily installed. The timing mark on the drive gear must be straight up.

  17. Object Number: 9849  Size: SH
  18. With the balance shaft drive gear removed, turn the balance shaft so the timing mark on the driven gear points straight down.

  19. Object Number: 5144  Size: SH
  20. Ensure that the timing marks on the balance shaft drive gear and the driven gear line up dot to dot.

  21. Object Number: 9847  Size: SH
  22. Install the balance shaft drive gear onto the camshaft.
  23. Install the balance shaft drive gear retaining stud.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the stud to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  25. Install the intake manifold. Refer to Intake Manifold Replacement .

  26. Object Number: 5143  Size: SH

    Important: Line up the timing marks on the camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket dot to dot. When these marks are lined up dot to dot, the number four cylinder is at the top dead center of its compression stroke. Position the distributor rotor facing the cap hold down mount nearest the flat side of the housing.

  27. Install the camshaft sprocket and the timing chain.
  28. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

  30. Install the distributor. Refer to Engine Electrical.
  31. Important: Use care when engaging the front of the oil pan seal with the bottom of the front cover. Lubricate the front of the oil pan seal with engine oil to aid in reassembly.

  32. Install the front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  33. Install the oil pan. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement .
  34. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement .
  35. Install the accessory drive pulley. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
  36. Install the water pump. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  37. Install the engine cooling fan. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  38. Install the air conditioning condenser. Refer to SECTION 1B.
  39. Install the radiator. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  40. Install the air conditioning compressor, the bracket, and the accessory drive bracket. Refer to SECTION 6B.

  41. Object Number: 26015  Size: SH
  42. Install the air cleaner box and the intake duct.
  43. Install the engine cover.
  44. Connect the negative battery cable.
  45. Fill the crankcase with the proper quantity and grade of engine oil. Refer to SECTION 0B.
  46. Fill the cooling system with the proper quantity and grade of engine coolant. Refer to Engine Cooling.
  47. Charge the air conditioning system. Refer to SECTION 1B.