Camshaft Bearing Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 33049 Camshaft Bearing Service Set

IMPORTANT: The outer camshaft bearings (positions 1 and 5) must be installed first. These bearings serve as guides for the tool and help center the inner bearings during the installation process.

Ensure the correct camshaft bearing fits into the proper bore. The camshaft bearing bores may vary in size.

Ensure that the camshaft bearing lubrication hole or holes align with the oil gallery hole or holes in the block. On some engines, the oil holes may be difficult to see. Verify that the holes are aligned.

Fig 1: View Of Engine Block Bearing Bores

GM639523

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Assemble the tool handle (10), expanding driver (4-8), and washer (2 or 3).

Fig 2: View Of J 33049 Camshaft Bearing Service Kit Components

GM66100

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Insert the J 33049 tool into the engine block end camshaft bearings.

Fig 3: Removing/Installation Camshaft Inner Bearing Using J 33049

GM4985

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Do not shim, scrape, or file bearing inserts. Do not touch the bearing surface of the insert with bare fingers. Skin oil and acids will etch the bearing surface.

IMPORTANT: An improperly aligned camshaft bearing oil gallery hole will restrict oil flow to the bearing and the camshaft journal.

Drive the end bearings into the bore.
Select the expanding driver (4-8) and washer (2 or 3) from the J 33049 .

Fig 4: View Of J 33049 Camshaft Bearing Service Kit Components

GM66100

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Assemble the tool.
Insert the J 33049 tool through the front of the engine block and to the inner bearing bores.

Fig 5: View Of J 33049 Camshaft Bearing Tool & Nylon Cone

GM64183

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the bearing onto the expanding driver.
Tighten the expander assembly nut until the tool is snug in the bearing.

IMPORTANT: The camshaft bearing oil holes must align with the oil galleries in the engine block.
After installation of the camshaft bearings, inspect the camshaft bearing oil holes for proper alignment with the oil galleries.
An improperly aligned camshaft bearing oil gallery hole will restrict oil flow to the bearing and the camshaft journal.

Align the oil lubrication hole in the bearing with the oil galleries in the engine block.
Push the guide cone into the front camshaft bearing bore to align the tool.
Drive the bearing into the bore.