GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 🢒 Camshaft Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 441129 Size: SH
  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
  2. Remove the radiator with the A/C condenser. Refer to Radiator Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  3. Remove the valve lifters. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement .
  4. Remove the timing chain and sprockets. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement .
  5. Remove the balance shaft gear (2) from the camshaft (1).

    6. Object Number: 35815 Size: SH
  6. Remove the camshaft thrust plate bolts.
  7. Remove the camshaft thrust plate.
  8. Remove the camshaft key.

    9. Notice: 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.

  9. Use the following procedure to remove the camshaft:
    10. 9.1. Install three 5/16-18 x 4 in bolts in the camshaft bolt holes.
    9.2. Carefully rotate and pull the camshaft out.
  10. Inspect the camshaft and bearings. Refer to Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 35815 Size: SH
  1. Coat the camshaft with prelube GM P/N 12345501 or equivalent before installation.
  2. Install the camshaft.
  3. Install the camshaft key.
  4. Install the camshaft thrust plate.
  5. Install the camshaft thrust plate bolts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the camshaft thrust plate bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 441129 Size: SH
  6. Install the balance shaft drive gear (2) to the camshaft (1).

    7. Object Number: 441151 Size: SH
  7. Align the timing marks (2) on the balance shaft gear (1) and the balance shaft drive gear (3).
  8. Install the timing chain and sprockets. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprocket Replacement .
  9. Install the valve lifters. Refer to Valve Lifter Replacement .
  10. Install the radiator with the A/C condenser. Refer to Radiator Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  11. Charge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.