GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 33049 Camshaft Bearing Service Kit

Important: Always install the camshaft outer bearings #1 and #5 first. The camshaft outer bearings serve as a guide for the J 33049 and help center the camshaft inner bearings during the installation process.

Look to ensure that the camshaft bearing lubrication hole or holes align with the oil gallery hole or holes in the engine block. On some engines, the oil gallery holes may be difficult to see. Verify that the camshaft bearing lubrication holes and the oil gallery holes are aligned.


    Object Number: 66100  Size: SH
  1. Assemble the J 33049 handle (10), the expanding driver (4-8), the washer (2 or 3), and the expander assembly (15).

  2. Object Number: 63219  Size: SH

    Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

    Important: The camshaft bearing lubrication holes must align with the oil gallery holes in the engine block.

    After installation of the camshaft bearings, always inspect the camshaft bearing lubrication holes for proper alignment with the oil gallery holes.

    An improperly aligned camshaft bearing lubrication hole and oil gallery hole will restrict oil flow to the camshaft bearing and the camshaft journal.

  3. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearings #5 and #1.
  4. 2.1. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearing #5 onto the J 33049 expander assembly.
    2.2. Tighten the J 33049 expander assembly nut until snug.
    2.3. Align the camshaft outer bearing #5 lubrication hole with the oil gallery hole in the camshaft outer bearing bore #5 at the rear of the engine block.
    2.4. Drive the camshaft outer bearing #5 into the camshaft outer bearing bore #5 at the rear of the engine block.
    2.5. Loosen the J 33049 expander assembly nut.
    2.6. Remove the J 33049 expander assembly from the camshaft outer bearing #5.
    2.7. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearing #1 onto the J 33049 expander assembly.
    2.8. Tighten the J 33049 expander assembly nut until snug.
    2.9. Align the camshaft outer bearing #1 lubrication hole with the oil gallery hole in the camshaft outer bearing bore #1 at the front of the engine block.
    2.10. Drive the camshaft outer bearing #1 into the camshaft outer bearing bore #1 at the front of the engine block.
    2.11. Loosen the J 33049 expander assembly nut.
    2.12. Carefully slide the J 33049 into the engine block until the J 33049 expander assembly is positioned between the camshaft inner bearing bores #3 and the camshaft inner bearing bore #4.

    Object Number: 4985  Size: SH

    Important: The camshaft bearing lubrication holes must align with the oil gallery holes in the engine block.

    After installation of the camshaft bearings, always inspect the camshaft bearing lubrication holes for proper alignment with the oil gallery holes.

    An improperly aligned camshaft bearing lubrication hole and oil gallery hole will restrict oil flow to the camshaft bearing and the camshaft journal.

  5. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearings #4, #3, and #2.
  6. 3.1. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearing #4 onto the J 33049 expander assembly.
    3.2. Tighten the J 33049 expander assembly nut until snug.
    3.3. Align the camshaft inner bearing #4 lubrication hole with the oil gallery hole in the camshaft inner bearing bore #4 of the engine block.
    3.4. Push the J 33049 guide cone into the camshaft front bearing bore #1 in order to align the J 33049 .
    3.5. Drive the camshaft inner bearing #4 into the camshaft inner bearing bore #4.
    3.6. Loosen the J 33049 expander assembly nut.
    3.7. Carefully slide the J 33049 until the J 33049 expander assembly is positioned between the camshaft inner bearing bore #3 and the camshaft outer bearing bore #2.
    3.8. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearing #3 onto the J 33049 expander assembly.
    3.9. Tighten the J 33049 expander assembly nut until snug.
    3.10. Align the camshaft inner bearing #3 lubrication hole with the oil gallery hole in the camshaft inner bearing bore #3 of the engine block.
    3.11. Push the J 33049 guide cone into the camshaft front bearing bore #1 in order to align the J 33049 .
    3.12. Drive the camshaft inner bearing #3 into the camshaft inner bearing bore #3.
    3.13. Loosen the J 33049 expander assembly nut.
    3.14. Carefully slide the J 33049 until the J 33049 expander assembly is positioned between the camshaft inner bearing bore #2 and the camshaft outer bearing bore #1.
    3.15. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearing #2 onto the J 33049 expander assembly.
    3.16. Tighten the J 33049 expander assembly nut until snug.
    3.17. Align the camshaft inner bearing #2 lubrication hole with the oil gallery hole in the camshaft inner bearing bore #2 of the engine block.
    3.18. Push the J 33049 guide cone into the camshaft front bearing bore #1 in order to align the J 33049 .
    3.19. Drive the camshaft inner bearing #2 into the camshaft inner bearing bore #2.
    3.20. Loosen the J 33049 expander assembly nut.
  7. Carefully remove the J 33049 from the engine block.