GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J-44217-45 Chain Holding Tool
    • J 44217 Timing Chain Retention Tool
    • J 44221 Camshaft Holding Tool
    • J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .
  2. Ensure the exhaust camshaft position (CMP) actuator is functioning properly. Refer to Camshaft Position Actuator Diagnosis .
  3. Remove the exhaust camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Exhaust for the 3.5L (L52) engine.
  4. Remove the intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake for the 3.5L (L52) engine.
  5. Rotate the crankshaft in the engine rotational direction clockwise, until the #1 piston is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
  6. Using the timing mark on the exhaust camshaft position actuator sprocket as a reference, make a mark on the timing chain link adjacent to it.
  7. Caution: Refer to Camshaft Holding Tool Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 858336  Size: SH
  8. Install the J 44221 to the rear of the camshafts.

  9. Object Number: 812952  Size: SH
  10. Complete the following in order to install the J 44217  (1) and J-44217-45  (1).
  11. 8.1. Install the hook portion of the timing chain retention tools into one of the timing chain links near the timing chain shoe on both sides of the engine.
    8.2. Tighten the wingnuts.
    8.3. Ensure the hooks are still in one of the links and the gage blocks of the tool are firmly in place on the edge of the head.

    Object Number: 1619812  Size: SH
  12. Remove the exhaust camshaft position actuator bolt.
  13. Discard the bolt.

  14. Remove the exhaust camshaft position actuator.
  15. Clean and inspect the sprocket. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain and Sprocket Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

  1. Ensure the camshaft actuator is fully advanced prior to installation.

  2. Object Number: 1619822  Size: SH
  3. Install the exhaust camshaft actuator into the timing chain.
  4. Aligning the marked link (1) on the timing chain with the timing mark (1) on the exhaust camshaft position actuator sprocket.

    Notice: The camshaft actuator must be fully advanced during installation. Engine damage may occur if the camshaft actuator is not fully advanced.

    Important: 

       • To aid in aligning the actuator to the camshaft , use a 25 mm (1 in) wrench on the hex of the camshaft to rotate
       • Ensure the alignment pin is properly engaged with the camshaft
       • Ensure the camshaft actuator is rotated clockwise relative to the camshaft prior to tightening the bolt. Do not force the camshaft actuator to rotate clockwise. If it does not move easily, it is already fully advanced. New camshaft actuators are already packaged in the fully advanced (clockwise) position.

  5. Install the exhaust camshaft actuator onto the exhaust camshaft.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1619812  Size: SH
  7. Install the new exhaust camshaft actuator bolt.
  8. Tighten

    1. Tighten the exhaust camshaft actuator bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
    2. Use the J 45059 to rotate the exhaust camshaft actuator bolt an additional 135 degrees.

    Object Number: 812952  Size: SH
  9. Remove the J 44217  (1) and J-44217-45  (1).

  10. Object Number: 858336  Size: SH
  11. Remove the J 44221 from the camshafts.
  12. Install the intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake for the 3.5L (L52) engine.
  13. Install the exhaust camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Exhaust for the 3.5L (L52) engine.
  14. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .