Removal Procedure

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

Remove the radiator. Refer to RADIATOR REPLACEMENT .
Remove the A/C condenser, if equipped. Refer to CONDENSER REPLACEMENT .
Remove the valve lifter pushrod guide. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement .
Remove the camshaft timing chain and sprockets. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprockets Replacement .
Remove the balance shaft drive gear.

Fig 1: Removing Balance Shaft Drive Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The balance shaft drive and balance shaft driven gears are serviced as a set. The set includes the balance shaft driven gear bolt.
Remove the balance shaft driven gear bolt from the balance shaft.
1. Use a wrench in order to secure the balance shaft.
  Place the wrench onto the balance shaft near to the balance shaft front bearing.
2. Remove the balance shaft bolt.
3. Remove the wrench from the balance shaft.
Remove the balance shaft driven gear from the balance shaft.

Fig 2: Removing Balance Shaft Driven Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts and the balance shaft retainer.

Fig 3: Removing Bolts & Balance Shaft Retainer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The balance shaft and the balance shaft front bearing are serviced only as a package. Do not remove the balance shaft front bearing from the balance shaft.
Use a soft-faced hammer in order to remove the balance shaft from the engine block.
Clean and inspect the balance shaft. Refer to Balance Shaft Cleaning and Inspection .

Fig 4: Removing Balance Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.