Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rods Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean the valve rocker arms and push rods in cleaning solvent.
Dry the valve rocker arms and push rods with compressed air.
Inspect the valve rocker arms for the following conditions:
- Excessive wear at the valve contact or push rod socket area (1)
- A loose or damaged pin (2)
- A worn or damaged roller bearing (2)
  The roller should rotate freely with no binding or roughness.
- The bolt threads for damage
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Valve Rocker Arms For Excessive Wear Push Rod Socket Area And Damaged Pin
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Important: Keep the push rods in order. The intake and exhaust are different lengths.
Inspect the push rods for the following conditions:
- Straightness using a straight edge (1)
- Excessive wear on the push rod ends (3)
- Clogging of the oil passage (2)
Fig 2: Inspecting Push Rods For Straightness Using Straight Edge
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.