GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 895127  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the timing chain assembly. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .
  3. Remove the balance shaft drive chain tensioner bolts.

  4. Object Number: 895293  Size: SH
  5. Remove the balance shaft drive chain tensioner.

  6. Object Number: 895512  Size: SH
  7. Remove the adjustable balance shaft chain guide bolt.
  8. Remove the adjustable balance shaft chain guide.

  9. Object Number: 895517  Size: SH
  10. Remove the small balance shaft chain guide bolts.
  11. Remove the small balance shaft chain guide.

  12. Object Number: 895520  Size: SH
  13. Remove the upper balance shaft chain guide bolts.
  14. Remove the upper balance shaft chain guide.
  15. Important: Push on the chain between the water pump and the crankshaft sprockets so that all slack is between these 2 points. This will allow easier removal of the chain.


    Object Number: 895525  Size: SH
  16. Remove the balance shaft drive chain.
  17. Remove the crankshaft drive sprocket.
  18. Important: Replace the balance shaft drive chain guide if wear exceeds 1.12 mm (0.045 in).


    Object Number: 895147  Size: SH
  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, the sprocket and teeth for chips, or damage to the chain links.

Installation Procedure

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


    Object Number: 897590  Size: SH
  1. Orient the timing marks on the balance shafts.
  2. The intake side balance shaft timing marks (1), (2) should be pointing up.


    Object Number: 897591  Size: SH
  3. The exhaust side balance shaft timing mark (1), (2) should be pointing down.

  4. Object Number: 898892  Size: SH
  5. With the balance shafts oriented, install the balance shaft crankcase sprocket onto the crankshaft.
  6. Place the number one piston at top dead center (TDC).
  7. Important: The crankshaft keyway slot will be pointing up, 12 o'clock position, hen set at TDC.

  8. Install the balance shaft chain with the colored links up with the marks on the balance shaft sprockets with the marks on the crankshaft sprocket.
  9. Important: There is one (1) copper link and two (2) chrome links on the balance shaft chain.

    • Orient the chain so that the copper link (1) is aligns with the mark on the intake side of the balance shaft sprocket.
    • Install the chain in a clockwise direction, place the chrome link (2) to align with the mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
    • Align the last chrome link (3) with the timing mark on the exhaust side balance shaft sprocket.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 948853  Size: SH
  10. Install the upper chain guide and bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain guide upper bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 947987  Size: SH
  12. Install the small chain guide and bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain guide fixed bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 948704  Size: SH
  14. Install the adjustable chain guide and bolt.
  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 degrees. Compress the plunger and lock it in place by inserting a thin wire, or paper clip, into the hole on the side of the plunger body.
  17. Install the balancer shaft drive chain tensioner and blots.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the balance shaft chain tensioner bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

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

  20. Object Number: 895127  Size: SH
  21. Install the timing chain. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement .

  22. Object Number: 895054  Size: SH
  23. Install the front cover. Refer to Oil Pump Replacement .
  24. INSERT GRAPHIC SMPEN89115AA1
  25. Install the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement .

  26. Connect the negative battery cable.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the battery terminal bolt to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).