Doug's Cobalt SS SC

Hey guys, I'm about to tackle my timing chain replacement however I had a question in regards to the removal & replacement of the balance shaft sprockets. According to the instructions the only way to remove & then reinstall the balance shaft sprockets is by completely removing both balance shafts from the engine.

Is this correct ? Or is there another way to do this without having to completely remove the balance shafts ?

Also if I do have to remove the balance shafts in order to replace the sprockets is this something that can be done with the engine still in or would it require me to have to pull or lift the engine up high enough to slide the balance shafts out ?

Of course I know that I can do the rest of the timing chain job with the engine still in & I know that if the teeth are ok on my OEM balance shaft sprockets that I don't necessarily have to replace the sprockets but seeing that I did pay for them since they came with the kit it would be nice to replace them while I'm already down there.

07MetallicSC

iTrader: (16)

I have a pair of sprockets sitting in the garage i think if youre interested

Sharkey

iTrader: (1)

iirc when you take the sprocket off the balance shaft it could float back in the block. best bet may be to losen the bolt before the chain is removed, undo the bolt holding the balance shaft into the block and slide it out of the block enough where you can hang onto the balance shaft and finish removing the bolt and sprocket, put the new stuff on and slide it back into the block.

mrbelvedere

iTrader: (3)

support the engine with a jack remove the engine mount lower engine down once down you should be able to slide them out if not loosen the cradle bolts on pass side that will allow things to drop a little lower the bolts on the balance shaft sprockets torque around 37ftlbs with one drop of red Loctite and make sure the sprockets match whats in the engine because a l61 uses a different sprocket on the balance shaft

Doug's Cobalt SS SC

Sharky & mebelvedeer awesome advice thanks so much guys !

Doug's Cobalt SS SC

& metallic thanks for the offer on the sprockets bro but I'm good I picked up the full timing chain kit upper & lower which includes both sprockets for the balance shafts.

tomj77

iTrader: (2)

one bolt and the balance shaft literally just pulls out. why don't u want to remove it? its not hard

Bass_Waves

iTrader: (24)

I have brand new balance shafts I'm about to remove from my new motor. I can sell em to you