How to Install a Balance Shaft Bearing 4.3

Built by General Motors for mid-size cars and light trucks, the 4.3 liter V-6 engine is equipped with an eccentrically weighted balance shaft. Designed to dampen motor vibration, engine balance shafts dont have a direct effect on engine operation, but only counteract imbalances in asymmetrically weighted motors. If an engine suddenly begins to vibrate, the cause is commonly due to a faulty balance shaft bearing; a new bearing is easily installed without removing the engine from the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Remove the balance shaft gear from the balance shaft with a wrench. Attach a shaft puller to the front of the balance shaft and turn the bolts on the puller, with a wrench, until the shaft pulls loose from the socket.

2

Work the faulty balance shaft bearing free from the socket, carefully, with the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver. Wipe the socket clean with a dry cloth.

3

Coat a new balance shaft bearing with motor oil and shake excess oil from the bearing.

4

Hold the new bearing in place, over the top of the bearing shaft, with one hand. Invert the balance shaft so the wider front end of the shaft is resting against the front end of the bearing.

5

Tap the end of the balance shaft with a rubber mallet until the front of the bearing is flush with the surface of the bearing shaft socket.

6

Turn the balance shaft around and insert the narrow end of the shaft through the bearing and into the socket. Replace the balance shaft gear with the wrench.