GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • EN-46105 Camshaft Locking Tool
    • EN-46112 Tensioner Retraction Pins

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1796508  Size: SH
  1. Remove the Bank 1 secondary timing chain. Refer to Secondary Camshaft Drive Chain Replacement - Right Side.
  2. Note: Take care when removing the tensioner bolts. The tensioner plunger is subjected to spring tension and may spring apart during tensioner removal.

  3. Remove the 2 primary timing chain tensioner bolts (1), and remove the tensioner (2).

  4. Object Number: 1796515  Size: SH
  5. Remove the gasket (1) from the tensioner (2) and discard the gasket.
  6. Inspect the primary timing chain tensioner mounting surface on the engine block for burrs or any defects that would affect the sealing of a new tensioner gasket.

  7. Object Number: 1796518  Size: SH
  8. Remove the 2 primary timing chain upper guide bolts (1) and remove the guide (2).

  9. Object Number: 1796521  Size: SH

    Note: Do not remove the primary timing chain lower guide (1). The primary timing chain lower guide is not serviced separately.

  10. If the primary timing chain lower guide requires replacement, the oil pump assembly (2) must be replaced.

  11. Object Number: 1796531  Size: SH

    Note: For ease of removal, remove the chain from the crankshaft sprocket, before attempting to remove from the camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprockets.

  12. Remove the primary timing chain (1).

  13. Object Number: 1796541  Size: SH
  14. If required, remove the bank 1 camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket bolt (1) and remove the sprocket (2).

  15. Object Number: 1796545  Size: SH
  16. If required, remove the crankshaft sprocket (1) from the crankshaft (2).

Cleaning Procedure

  1. Clean all the following components with a suitable solvent:
  2. • Crankshaft sprocket
    • Primary timing chain
    • Primary timing chain guide
    • Primary timing chain tensioner
    • Secondary timing chains
    • Secondary timing chain shoes
    • Secondary timing chain guides
    • Secondary timing chain tensioners
    • Bolts
  3. Dry all the components with compressed air.

Timing Chains Inspection


    Object Number: 1796647  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the primary and/or secondary timing chains for the following:
  2. • Binding or worn rollers (1)
    • Loose links (2)
    • Loose pins (3)
  3. Replace a damaged timing chain as required.

Camshaft Intermediate Driveshaft Sprockets Inspection


Object Number: 1796653  Size: SH

Inspect the camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprockets for the following:

    • Damage to the primary and secondary timing chain sprocket (1).
    • Damage to the hub bearing (2). Ensure the hub bearing spins freely. If the hub bearing wobbles, is noisy or feels rough when rotated replace the camshaft intermediate sprocket.
    • Damage to the bolt flange seating/sealing surface (3).
    • Damage to the bearing hub-to-engine block sealing surface.
    • Inspect the camshaft position actuator assemblies.

Crankshaft Sprockets Inspection


    Object Number: 1796655  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the crankshaft sprocket for the following:
  2. • Sprocket damage (1)
    • Bore damage (2)
    • Keyway damage (3)
    • Damage to the cushion material (4)
  3. Replace a damaged sprocket as required.

Primary Timing Chain Upper Guide Inspection


    Object Number: 1796664  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the primary timing chain lower guide for the following:
  2. • Worn guide surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken guide surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged guide base (3)
  3. Replace a damaged guide as required.

Primary Timing Chain Lower Guide Inspection


    Object Number: 1796680  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the primary timing chain lower guide for the following:
  2. • Worn guide surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken guide surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged guide base (3)

    Note: The primary timing chain lower guide is not serviced separately and is part of the oil pump assembly.

  3. Replace the primary timing chain lower guide by replacing the oil pump assembly, if necessary. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement.

Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Inspection


    Object Number: 1796683  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the primary timing chain tensioner for worn shoe surface (1).
  2. Inspect the tensioner for a locked or binding tensioner shaft (2). Reset the plunger (3) and ensure the tensioner shaft moves freely in and out of the body of the tensioner.
  3. Note: To reset the tensioner, use a suitably sized flat-bladed screwdriver (4) to wind the plunger in a clockwise direction, into the tensioner shaft.

  4. Replace a damaged tensioner as required.

Bank 2 Secondary Timing Chain Guide Inspection


    Object Number: 1796685  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the bank 2 secondary timing chain guide for the following:
  2. • Worn guide surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken guide surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged guide  (3)
  3. Replace a damaged guide as required. Reset the plunger (3) and ensure the tensioner shaft moves freely in and out of the body of the tensioner.

Bank 2 Secondary Timing Chain Shoe Inspection


    Object Number: 1796687  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the front of the bank 2 secondary timing chain shoe for the following:
  2. • Worn shoe surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken shoe surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged shoe (3)

    Object Number: 1796691  Size: SH
  3. Inspect the back of the shoe for a damaged, worn or missing timing chain tensioner contact pad (1).
  4. Replace a damaged shoe as required.

Bank 2 Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Inspection


    Object Number: 1796692  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the bank 2 secondary timing chain tensioner for damaged plunger-to-shoe contact surface (1).
  2. Inspect the tensioner for locked or binding tensioner shaft (2). Reset the plunger (3) and ensure the tensioner shaft moves freely in and out of the body of the tensioner.
  3. Note: To reset the tensioner, use a suitably sized flat-bladed screwdriver (4) to wind the plunger in a clockwise direction, into the tensioner shaft.

  4. Replace a damaged tensioner as required.

Bank 1 Secondary Timing Chain Guide Inspection


    Object Number: 1796693  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the bank 1 secondary timing chain guide for the following:
  2. • Worn guide surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken guide surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged guide base (3)
  3. Replace a damaged guide as required.

Bank 1 Secondary Timing Chain Shoe Inspection


    Object Number: 1796694  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the front of the bank 1 secondary timing chain shoe for the following:
  2. • Worn shoe surface (1)
    • Cracked or broken shoe surface (2)
    • Cracked or damaged shoe (3)

    Object Number: 1796695  Size: SH
  3. Inspect the back of the shoe for a damaged, worn or missing timing chain tensioner contact pad (1).
  4. Replace a damaged shoe as required.

Bank 1 Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Inspection

  1. Inspect the bank 1 secondary timing chain tensioner for damaged plunger-to-shoe contact surface  (1).
  2. Note: To reset the tensioner, use a suitably sized flat-bladed screwdriver (4) to wind the plunger in a clockwise direction, into the tensioner shaft.

  3. Inspect the tensioner for a locked or binding tensioner shaft (2). Reset the plunger (3) and ensure the tensioner shaft moves freely in and out of the body of the tensioner.
  4. Replace a damaged tensioner as required.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1797042  Size: SH
  1. If previously removed, install the bank 2 secondary timing chain components.
  2. Note: The bank 1 camshaft intermediate drive-shaft sprocket (2) is marked with the letters RB and ’FRONT’, and the bank 2 sprocket (1) is marked with the letters LB and ’FRONT’ ensure the correct sprocket is used and the FRONT text is facing forwards when installed.

  3. Ensure the bank 1 camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket is selected and orientated correctly.
  4. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1796541  Size: SH
  5. Install the bank 1 camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket (2) and tighten bolt to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).

  6. Object Number: 1797163  Size: SH
  7. Ensure that the crankshaft sprocket timing mark (1) is aligned with the indexing mark (2) on the oil pump housing.

  8. Object Number: 1796531  Size: SH
  9. Install the primary timing chain (1).

  10. Object Number: 1797164  Size: SH
  11. Wrap the primary timing chain around the large sprockets of each camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket aligning the brightened chain links.

  12. Object Number: 1797166  Size: SH
  13. The bank 2 camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket timing mark (1) will align with a bright plated primary timing chain link (2).

  14. Object Number: 1797167  Size: SH
  15. The bank 1 camshaft intermediate driveshaft sprocket timing mark (1) will align with a bright plated primary timing chain link (2).

  16. Object Number: 1797168  Size: SH
  17. The crankshaft sprocket timing mark (1) will align with a bright plated timing chain link (2).

  18. Object Number: 1797185  Size: SH
  19. Ensure all the timing marks (1, 2 and 3) are properly aligned with the bright plated timing chain links (4, 5 and 6).

  20. Object Number: 1797205  Size: SH
  21. Do not remove the primary timing chain lower guide (1). The primary timing chain lower guide is not serviced separately. If the primary timing chain lower guide must be replaced, the oil pump assembly (2) must be replaced.

  22. Object Number: 1797227  Size: SH
  23. Ensure the primary timing chain upper guide is selected and orientated correctly.

  24. Object Number: 1796518  Size: SH
  25. Install the primary timing chain upper guide (1).
  26. Install the primary timing chain upper guide bolts (2) and tighten bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  27. Object Number: 1797261  Size: SH
  28. Ensure that the primary timing chain tensioner is being installed.

  29. Object Number: 1797276  Size: SH

    Note: To reset the tensioner, use a suitably sized flat-bladed screwdriver (1) to wind the plunger in a clockwise direction, into the tensioner shaft (2).

  30. Reset the primary timing chain tensioner.

  31. Object Number: 1797278  Size: SH
  32. Install the tensioner shoe assembly (1) into the primary timing chain tensioner body (2).

  33. Object Number: 1797279  Size: SH

    Note: If EN-46112 pins  (1) is not inserted into the tensioner body, the plunger will remain in the locked position and no tension will be placed on the timing chain.

  34. Compress the shoe assembly into the body (2) and lock the primary timing chain tensioner by inserting EN-46112 ins into the access hole in the side of the body.
  35. Slowly release pressure on the primary timing chain tensioner. The primary timing chain tensioner should remain compressed.

  36. Object Number: 1797291  Size: SH
  37. Install a new primary timing chain tensioner gasket (1) to the tensioner (2).
  38. Install the primary timing chain tensioner bolts (3) through tensioner and gasket.
  39. Ensure the primary timing chain tensioner mounting surface on the engine block does not have any burrs or defects that would affect the sealing of the new gasket.

  40. Object Number: 1796508  Size: SH
  41. Place the primary timing chain tensioner (2) into position and loosely install the bolts (1) to the engine block.

  42. Object Number: 1797296  Size: SH
  43. Verify the proper placement of the primary timing chain tensioner gasket tab (1).
  44. Tighten the primary timing chain tensioner bolts (2) to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  45. Object Number: 1797298  Size: SH
  46. Release the primary timing chain tensioner (1) by pulling out EN-46112 pins  (2) and unlocking the tensioner shaft.

  47. Object Number: 1797305  Size: SH
  48. Verify the primary and bank 2 secondary timing chain timing mark alignments (1-12).
  49. Remove EN-46105 tool from bank 2 and bank 1 cylinder head camshafts.
  50. Install the Bank 1 secondary timing chain. Refer to Secondary Camshaft Drive Chain Replacement - Right Side.