Camshaft Bearing Installation

Tools Required 

J 33049  Camshaft Bearing Service Kit

Important:  When installing the camshaft bearings, always lock in order to ensure that the camshaft bearing lubrication hole is located above the 3 o'clock position (1) or the 9 o'clock position (2). The proper positioning of the camshaft bearing lubrication hole is in order to ensure the best lubrication of the engine camshaft journals.

Fig 1: Installing Camshaft Bearing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Assembly the J 33049.  handle (10), the expanding driver (4-8), the washer (2 or 3), and the expander assembly (15).
   Fig 2: Camshaft Bearing Assembly

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

   Important:  The camshaft bearings vary in size. When ordering the new camshaft bearings, be sure to order the correct camshaft bearings for the application to be serviced.

   Always install the camshaft outer bearings #1 and #4 first. The camshaft outer bearings serve as a guide for the J 33049.  and help center the camshaft inner bearings during the installation process.

   Fig 3: Installing New Camshaft Outer Bearings

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearings #4 and #1.
   1. 2.1. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearing #4 onto the J 33049.  expander assembly.
   2. 2.2. Tighten the J 33049.  expander assembly nut until snug.
   3. 2.3. Align the lubrication hole of the camshaft outer bearing #4 above the 3 o'clock position or the 9 o'clock position of the camshaft outer bearing bore #4 at the rear of the engine block.
   4. 2.4. Drive the camshaft outer bearing #4 into the camshaft outer bearing bore #4 at the rear of the engine block.
   5. 2.5. Loosen the J 33049.  expander assembly nut.
   6. 2.6. Remove the camshaft outer bearing #4 from the J 33049.  expander assembly.
   7. 2.7. Install the NEW camshaft outer bearing #1 onto the J 33049.  expander assembly.
   8. 2.8. Tighten the J 33049.  expander assembly nut until snug.
   9. 2.9. Align the lubrication hole of the camshaft of the camshaft outer bearing #1 above the 3 o'clock position or the 9 o'clock position of the camshaft outer bearing bore #1 at the front of the engine block.
   10. 2.10. Drive the camshaft outer bearing #1 into the camshaft outer bearing bore #1 at the front of the engine block.
   11. 2.11. Loosen the J 33049.  expander assembly nut.
   12. 2.12. Carefully slide the J 33049.  into the engine block until the J 33049.  expander assembly is positioned between the camshaft inner bearing bores.
3. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearings #3 and #2.
   1. 3.1. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearing #3 onto the J 33049.  expander assembly.
   2. 3.2. Tighten the J 33049.  expander assembly nut until snug.
   3. 3.3. Align the lubrication hole of the camshaft inner bearing #3 above the 3 o'clock position or the 9 o'clock position of the camshaft inner bearing bore #3 of the engine block.
   4. 3.4. Push the J 33049.  guide cone into the camshaft front bearing bore #1 in order to align the J 33049. 
   5. 3.5. Drive the camshaft inner bearing #3 into the camshaft inner bearing bore #3.
   6. 3.6. Loosen the J 33049.  expander assembly nut.
   7. 3.7. Carefully slide the J 33049.  until the J 33049.  expander assembly is positioned between the camshaft inner bearing bore #2 and the camshaft outer bearing bore #1.
   8. 3.8. Install the NEW camshaft inner bearing #2 onto the J 33049.  expander assembly
   9. 3.9. Tighten the J 33049.  expander assembly nut until snug.
   10. 3.10. Align the lubrication hole of the camshaft inner bearing #2 above the 3 o'clock position or the 9 o'clock position of the camshaft inner bearing bore #2 of the engine block.
   11. 3.11. Push the J 33049.  guide cone into the camshaft front bearing bore #1 in order to align the J 33049. 
   12. 3.12. Drive the camshaft inner bearing #2 into the camshaft inner bearing bore #2.
   13. 3.13. Loosen the J 33049.  expander assembly nut.
4. Carefully remove the J 33049.  from the engine block.