GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24420-B Crankshaft Balancer Puller
    • J 28467-360 Engine Support
    • J 38122-A Crankshaft Balancer Holder

    Important: The timing chain housing to cylinder block and the camshaft housing gaskets can be replaced without removing the timing chain housing from the vehicle.

    Removal of the timing chain housing is only required when additional service is being performed on the timing chain housing.

  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 front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to SECTION 0A.
  4. Disconnect the heater hose from the thermostat housing in order to drain the cylinder block completely.
  5. Important: The timing chain must be marked prior to removal. If the chain is installed with the wear pattern in the opposite direction, noise and increased wear may occur.

  6. Remove the timing chain tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .
  7. Remove the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .
  8. Remove the coolant pump assembly to the timing chain housing nuts. Refer to Coolant Pump Replacement in Engine Cooling.

  9. Object Number: 60807  Size: SH
  10. Remove the timing chain housing to the block fasteners.
  11. Remove the four oil pan to front cover bolts.
  12. Remove the lowest front cover retaining stud from the timing chain housing.
  13. This stud will catch on the body if it is not removed.

  14. Lower the vehicle.

  15. Object Number: 33628  Size: SH
  16. Remove the camshaft sprocket retaining bolts and the washers while holding the sprockets with the J 38122-A .
  17. Remove the camshaft sprockets.
  18. The camshaft sprockets are identical and interchangeable.


    Object Number: 60807  Size: SH
  19. Remove the chain housing to the camshaft housing bolts.
  20. Remove the timing chain housing and the gaskets.
  21. It may be necessary to raise the engine slightly using the J 28467-360 .

  22. Inspect the oil pan gasket silicone bead for the following conditions:
  23. • Cuts or nicks
    • Deformation
    • Separation from the aluminum carrier
  24. If any of the conditions exist, replace the pan gasket.
  25. Important: Use only enough sealant to restore the silicone bead to its original dimension. Excess application of sealant may cause part misalignment and oil leaks.

  26. Inspect the silicone bead across the top of the aluminum carrier at the oil pan, in the cylinder block, and to the timing chain housing three way joint. Repair a damaged bead using the Silicone Rubber Sealant GM P/N 12345739 or the equivalent.

Installation Procedure

  1. Prior to installing the timing chain housing, ensure that the alignment dowel pins are in the cylinder block and the timing chain housing. The dowel pins ensure proper chain housing and the front cover location for correct front oil seal-to-crankshaft alignment.

  2. Object Number: 60803  Size: SH
  3. Install the timing chain housing and the new gaskets. Gasket sealer is unnecessary.
  4. Important: Hand tighten all chain housing bolts before tightening to specifications.


    Object Number: 62955  Size: SH
  5. Install the chain housing to the camshaft housing bolts and hand tighten.
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to SECTION 0A.
  7. Install the timing chain housing block fasteners and hand tighten.
  8. Install the oil pan to the timing chain housing bolts and hand tighten.

  9. Object Number: 60807  Size: SH
  10. Tighten the timing chain housing block fasteners.
  11. Tighten

        • (1) (M8 X 1.25 X 25) 26 N·m (19 lb ft).
        • (2) (M8 X 1.55 X 55) 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
        • (3) (M10 X 1.25 X 35) 29 N·m (21 lb ft).

    Object Number: 60805  Size: SH
  12. Tighten the oil pan to the timing chain housing bolts.
  13. Tighten

        • (1) (M8 X 1.25 X 80) 24 N·m (18 lb ft).
        • (2) (M8 X 1.24 X 22) 24 N·m (18 lb in).
        • (3) (M6 X 1.00 X 25) 12 N·m (106 lb ft).
        • (4) 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

    Object Number: 60803  Size: SH
  14. Install the lowest front cover retaining stud into the timing chain housing.
  15. Install the coolant pump to the timing chain housing and the timing chain housing nuts.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the timing chain housing nuts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  17. Lower the vehicle.

  18. Object Number: 60807  Size: SH
  19. Tighten the timing chain housing to the camshaft housing bolts.
  20. Tighten

        • (1) (M8 X 1.25 X 25) 26 N·m (19 lb ft).
        • (2) (M10 X 1.55 X 55) 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
        • (3) (M8 X 1.25 X 35) 29 N·m (21 lb ft).

    Object Number: 33628  Size: SH
  21. Install the camshaft sprockets.
  22. The camshaft sprockets are identical and interchangeable.

  23. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts and the washers.
  24. Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts and the washers while holding the sprocket with the J 38122-A .
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  26. Use the Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM P/N 12345493 or the equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolts.
  27. Clean the old sealant off of the bolt with a wire brush.
  28. Clean the threaded hole in the camshaft with a round nylon brush.
  29. Clean the threaded hole in the camshaft with a round nylon brush.
  30. Important: The side of the timing chain that was marked during the removal must be showing when the chain is installed.

  31. Install the timing chain and the tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .
  32. Install the front cover and the gaskets. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
  33. Connect the negative battery cable.