Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the timing chain and the camshaft sprocket. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprockets Replacement .
Remove the valve lifters. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement .
Remove the balance shaft drive gear.

Fig 1: Removing Balance Shaft Drive Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the camshaft retainer bolts and retainer.

Fig 2: Removing Camshaft Retainer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: All camshaft journals are the same diameter, so care must be used in removing or installing the camshaft to avoid damage to the camshaft bearings.
Remove the engine camshaft.
1. 5.1. Install the three 5/16-18 x 4.0 inch bolts into the engine camshaft front bolt holes.
2. 5.2. Using the bolts as a handle, carefully rotate and pull the engine camshaft out of the camshaft bearings.
3. 5.3. Remove the bolts from the front of the engine camshaft.
4. 5.4. Clean and inspect the camshaft and the bearings. Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .
  
  Fig 3: Removing Camshaft
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.