GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 895054  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement procedure in this section.

  3. Object Number: 1013303  Size: SH
  4. Remove the camshaft cover assembly. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement procedure in this section.

  5. Object Number: 895127  Size: SH
  6. Remove the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement procedure in this section.

  7. Object Number: 895293  Size: SH
  8. Remove the balance shaft drive chain tensioner.

  9. Object Number: 895512  Size: SH
  10. Remove the adjustable balance shaft chain guide.

  11. Object Number: 895517  Size: SH
  12. Remove the small balance shaft chain guide.

  13. Object Number: 895520  Size: SH
  14. Remove the upper balance shaft chain guide.

  15. Object Number: 895525  Size: SH

    Important: Push on the chain between the water pump and the camshaft sprockets so that all of the slack is between these 2 points. This will allow easier removal of the chain.

  16. Remove the balance shaft drive chain.
  17. Remove the crankshaft drive sprocket.

  18. Object Number: 895147  Size: SH

    Important: Replace the balance shaft drive chain guide if wear exceeds 1.12 mm (0.045 in).

  19. Inspect the balance shaft drive chain guides for cracking or wear.
  20. Important: Replace the balance shaft drive chain tensioner shoe if wear exceeds 1.12 mm (0.045 in).

  21. Inspect the balance shaft drive chain tensioner shoe for excessive wear.
  22. Inspect the balance shaft drive chain and sprockets for wear.
  23. Inspect the camshaft sprocket faces for signs of movement.
  24. Inspect the alignment notch in the camshaft for cracking or damage.
  25. Inspect the water pump, crankshaft, and balance shaft sprocket teeth and chain for signs of excessive wear, chipping, or seizure of the balance shaft drive chain links.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 895005  Size: SH

    Important: If the balance shafts are not correctly timed to the crankshaft the engine may vibrate or make excessive noise.

  1. Orient the timing marks on the balance shafts.
  2. 1.1. The intake side balance shaft timing mark should be pointing up.
    1.2. The exhaust side balance shaft timing mark should be pointing down.
  3. With the balance shafts oriented, install the balance shaft crankcase sprocket onto the crankshaft.
  4. Important: The crankshaft keyway slot will be pointing up (12 o'clock position) when set at TDC.

  5. Place the number 1 piston at top dead center (TDC).

  6. Object Number: 897596  Size: SH
  7. Install the balance shaft chain with the colored links lined up with the marks on the balance shaft sprockets with the mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
  8.         Important: There is 1 copper link (1) and 2 chrome links (2) on the balance shaft chain.

    4.1. Orient the chain so that the copper (1) and chrome (2) links are visible.
    4.2. Place the copper colored link (1) onto the timing mark on the intake side balance shaft sprocket.
    4.3. Working clockwise along the chain, place the first chrome link in line with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
    4.4. Align the last chrome link with the timing mark on the exhaust side balance shaft sprocket.

    Object Number: 895520  Size: SH
  9. Install the upper chain guide and bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain guide (upper) bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 895517  Size: SH
  11. Install the small chain guide and bolt.
  12. Tighten the chain guide bolt.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain guide (fixed) bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 895512  Size: SH
  14. Install the adjustable chain guide and bolts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain guide (adjustable) bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 895006  Size: SH
  16. Rotate the plunger on the chain tensioner 90°. Compress the plunger and lock in place by inserting a thin wire, or paper clip, into the hole on the side of the plunger body.
  17. Install the balance shaft drive chain tensioner and bolts.
  18. Tighten the balance shaft drive chain tensioner bolts.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain tensioner bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  20. Remove the thin wire or paper clip from the chain tensioner to release the plunger.

  21. Object Number: 895127  Size: SH
  22. Install the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement procedure in this section.

  23. Object Number: 1013303  Size: SH
  24. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement procedure in this section.
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft cover bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 895054  Size: SH
  26. Install the front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement procedure in this section.
  27. Connect the negative battery cable.
  28. Tighten
    Tighten the battery terminal bolts to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).