Camshaft Installation

Special Tools 

J 7872:  Dial Indicator Set

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Fig 1: View Of Camshaft, Camshaft Gear & Camshaft Thrust Plate
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
WARNING: The two piece cam gear must be bolted together to prevent the spring tension from unloading upon removal. Additionally, the two piece cam gear must remain bolted together until it is re-installed to the camshaft and fully engaged to the crankshaft gear. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.
1. Install the camshaft thrust plate to the camshaft.
2. Install the camshaft driven gear.
3. Install a new camshaft driven gear bolt.

   Leave the bolt finger tight.

Fig 2: View Of Camshaft Gear Aligned With Crankshaft Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Install the camshaft and gear assembly into the cylinder block, aligning the camshaft gear to the crankshaft gear as shown.
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
5. Install the camshaft thrust plate bolts and tighten to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).
Fig 3: Using Exciter Ring Bolt To Secure Spring Tension
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE: Use a suitable tool to relieve the spring tension while removing the locking bolt.
6. Remove the exciter ring bolt that was installed to hold the spring tension of the two piece cam gear.
Fig 4: View Of Camshaft Exciter Ring, Bolts & Thrust Plate Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Install the camshaft position sensor exciter ring to the camshaft gear.
8. Install the camshaft position sensor exciter ring bolts and tighten to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
Fig 5: Blocking Crankshaft From Turning
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Block the crankshaft from turning using a wooden handle.
10. Install the new camshaft gear bolt and tighten to 234 N.m (173 lb ft).
Fig 6: Measuring Camshaft End Play Using J 7872
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Measure the camshaft end play with J 7872:  Dial Indicator Set.
    • The production value is 0.050-0.114 mm (0.0020-0.0045 in) and service limit is 0.2 mm (0.0079 in).
    • Replace the camshaft gear or the camshaft thrust plate if measured value exceeds the service limit.