GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 42069 Timing Belt Alignment Kit
    • J 42098 Crank Hub TORX Socket

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 894207  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the timing belt front cover. Refer to Timing Belt Front Cover Replacement .
  3. Rotate the crankshaft using the J 42098 until the #1 cylinder is at 60 degrees before top dead center (BTDC).
  4. Install the crankshaft locking tool, J 42069 .
  5. Rotate the crankshaft in the engine rotational direction, clockwise, using the J 42098 until the #1 cylinder is at top dead center (TDC) and tighten the lever arm to the water pump pulley flange.

  6. Object Number: 894190  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the alignment of the crankshaft is not 180 degrees off. The alignment marks must align with the corresponding notches on the rear timing belt cover.

  7. Install the 1-2 and 3-4 camshaft locks, J 42069 , and J 42069-2.

  8. Object Number: 894697  Size: SH
  9. Loosen the timing belt tensioner.
  10. Important: Do not rotate the crankshaft if the camshaft is not locked in place with 1-2 and 3-4 camshaft locks, J 42069 , and J 42069-2 .

    Important: Do not rotate the camshafts unless the crankshaft is at 60 degrees BTDC or valves may contact crankshaft.

  11. Remove the timing belt.

Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 894885  Size: SH

    Important: Failure to follow the described timing belt inspection and maintenance may result in a broken timing belt and cause severe engine damage.

  1. When checking the condition of the timing belt, inspect for the following conditions and possible causes:
  2. • Tooth is broken and/or tooth root is cracked--Camshaft jamming, damaged camshaft/crankshaft oil seal and/or coolant leak, old age, tensioner not functioning properly.
    • Back surface of the belt is cracked/worn/scratched/scored--Excessive cold starts, tensioner jamming, overheated engine, interference with the belt cover.
    • Side of belt surface is worn--Improper installation of belt, overload or misalignment of cam drive components, tensioner jamming, heavy thrust loading against idler guide flanges, damaged idler guide.
    • Teeth are worn--Poor belt cover sealing, excessive belt tension, tension jamming, rough and/or scored cam sprockets.
    • Clean break across fibers--Kinked belt before or during assembly, foreign material under the belt.
    • Oil/coolant impregnated and/or swollen belt--Poor oil sealing, coolant leak at pump, poor belt cover seal.

    Object Number: 894874  Size: SH
  3. Check that the tensioner turns smoothly and that no binding occurs in the bearing.

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove the crankshaft locking tool. This will ease installation of the timing belt.

  2. Object Number: 897667  Size: SH

    Important: With the camshaft locks installed, verify the distance between the camshaft sprockets with the green test belt located in theJ 42069 .

  3. Starting at the #1 and #2 camshaft sprockets, route the belt around the #1 and #2 sprockets while aligning the belt marks to the marks on the sprockets and the rear cover.
  4. Install the belt around the timing belt tensioner.
  5. Route the belt around the upper idler pulley.
  6. Route the belt around the #3 and the #4 camshaft sprockets while aligning the belt marks to the marks on the sprockets and the rear cover.
  7. Route the belt around the crankshaft hub sprockets while aligning the marks on the belt to the marks on the sprockets and the rear cover.

  8. Object Number: 826215  Size: SH
  9. Install the J 42069-30 to lock the timing belt onto the crankshaft hub sprocket.

  10. Object Number: 894234  Size: SH
  11. With the belt firmly engaged on the crankshaft hub, carefully rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise to get the belt slack on the lower idler pulley side.
  12. Route the belt around the lower idler pulley.

  13. Object Number: 894223  Size: SH
  14. Remove the J 42069-30.

  15. Object Number: 894207  Size: SH
  16. Install the J 42069-2 and tighten the lever arm to the water pump pulley flange.

  17. Object Number: 894242  Size: SH
  18. Perform the following in sequence:
  19. 12.1. Install the camshaft checking gage to cams 3 and 4 and verify the alignment marks are within 2 mm (0.08 in) of each other.
    12.2. Install the 3 and 4 camshaft lock, if properly aligned.
    12.3. Install the camshaft checking gage to cams 1 and 2.

    Object Number: 894239  Size: SH
  20. Rotate the #1 camshaft sprocket counterclockwise to remove the slack between 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 cams.
  21. Important: Ensure that the camshaft timing marks are to the left (retard) side of the checking gage.

  22. Rotate the upper idler pulley counterclockwise until the marks are properly aligned within 2 mm (0.08 in) of each other.
  23. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  24. Install the 1 and 2 camshaft lock when properly aligned.
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the upper pulley bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 895597  Size: SH
  26. Adjust the timing belt tensioner so that the center alignment mark is about 3 mm (1/8 in) above the alignment mark on the spring loaded idler.

  27. Object Number: 894234  Size: SH
  28. Remove 1-2 and 3-4 camshaft locks, J 42069 , and J 42069-2 .
  29. Remove the J 42069-10.
  30. Important: If TDC is passed, do not rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise. This will not allow proper slack to be taken up between the timing belt tensioner and the crankshaft sprocket. To correct, rotate the crankshaft an additional 2 turns.

  31. Rotate the crankshaft 1 3/4 turns clockwise, install J 42069-10, and then stop at TDC.

  32. Object Number: 894241  Size: SH

    Important: Timing marks on the timing belt are used for initial installation only.

    Important: If the timing marks are off, repeat the procedures to readjust. Removal of the timing belt is not necessary.

  33. Tighten the lever arm to the water pump pulley flange.
  34. Recheck both pairs of the camshaft timing marks using the J 42069-20 .

  35. Object Number: 895597  Size: SH
  36. Adjust the timing belt tensioner to the center alignment mark is about 3 mm (1/8 in) above the alignment mark on the spring loaded idler.
  37. Tighten the timing belt tensioner.
  38. Tighten
    Tighten the timing belt tensioner fastening nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  39. Verify the timing marks are still aligned.
  40. Remove the J 42069-10 and J 42069-20 .
  41. Install the timing belt front cover. Refer to Timing Belt Front Cover Replacement .
  42. Connect the negative battery cable.
  43. Tighten
    Tighten the battery terminal bolts to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).