Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set

Clean the camshaft with cleaning solvent.
CAUTION: Bodily injury may occur if the cleaning solvent is inhaled or exposed to the skin.

Fig 1: Camshaft Components

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the camshaft for the following conditions:
- Scored camshaft bearing journals (1)
- Damaged camshaft lobes (2)
- Damaged camshaft sprocket locator pins (3)
- Damaged threads (4)

Fig 2: Measuring Camshaft Journals

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Measure the camshaft journals using a micrometer.
If the camshaft journals are not within specifications, replace the camshaft.

Fig 3: Measuring Camshaft Runout & Lobe Lift

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Measure the camshaft runout using the J 7872 .
1. Mount the camshaft in V-blocks between the centers.
2. Use the J 7872 in order to measure the intermediate camshaft journal.
Measure the camshaft lobe lift using the J 7872 .
1. Lubricate the camshaft using GM P/N United States 12345501, GM P/N Canada 992704 or the equivalent.
2. Set the camshaft on V-blocks.
3. Use the J 7872 in order to measure the lobe lift.
If the runout or lobe lift is not within specifications, replace the camshaft.