Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Envoy XL and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the condenser. Refer to CONDENSER REPLACEMENT in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Remove the valve lifters from both cylinder heads. Refer to VALVE LIFTER REPLACEMENT .
Remove the camshaft sensor bolt and sensor.

Fig 1: Removing Camshaft Sensor Bolt And Sensor
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Rotate the crankshaft until the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets are aligned.

Fig 2: Aligning Timing Marks On Crankshaft And Camshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the camshaft sprocket bolts.
NOTE: Do not turn the crankshaft assembly after the timing chain has been removed in order to prevent damage to the piston assemblies or the valves.
Remove the camshaft sprocket and reposition the timing chain.

Fig 3: View Of Camshaft Sprocket And Timing Chain
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the camshaft retainer bolts and retainer.

Fig 4: Removing Camshaft Retainer Bolts And 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 camshaft.
1. 8.1. Install three M8-1.25 x 100 mm (M8-1.25 x 4.0 in) bolts to the bolt holes in the front of the camshaft.
2. 8.2. Using the bolts as a handle, carefully rotate and pull the camshaft out of the engine block.
3. 8.3. Remove the three bolts from the camshaft.
Clean and inspect the camshaft and bearings. Refer to CAMSHAFT AND BEARINGS CLEANING AND INSPECTION .

Fig 5: Removing Camshaft Using Bolts As Handle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.