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. Remove the intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake in Engine Controls-3.5L (L52).

  3. Object Number: 858340  Size: SH
  4. Rotate the crankshaft in the engine rotational direction clockwise, until the #1 piston is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
  5. The word Delphi on the exhaust camshaft position actuator will be parallel with the cylinder head to cam cover mating surface.

  6. Using the timing mark on the intake camshaft 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. 6.1. 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.
    6.2. Tighten the wingnuts.
    6.3. 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: 748325  Size: SH
  12. Remove the intake camshaft sprocket bolt.
  13. Discard the bolt.

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

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 858344  Size: SH
  1. Install the intake camshaft sprocket into the timing chain.
  2. Aligning the marked link (1) on the timing chain with the timing mark on the intake camshaft sprocket.

    Important: 

       • To aid in aligning the sprocket 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

  3. Install the intake camshaft sprocket onto the intake camshaft.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the new intake camshaft sprocket bolt.
  6. Tighten

    1. Tighten the intake camshaft sprocket bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).
    2. Use the J 45059 to rotate the intake camshaft sprocket bolt an additional 100 degrees.

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

  8. Object Number: 858336  Size: SH
  9. Remove the J 44221 from the camshafts.
  10. Install the intake camshaft position (CMP) sensor. Refer to Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement - Intake in Engine Controls-3.5L (L52).
  11. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .