Rocker Arm Assembly: Service and Repair

Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: Mark, organize and sort the cylinder head components. Return the components to their original location during reassembly.





1. Remove the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side.
2. Remove the valve rocker arm nuts, the valve rocker arm balls, and valve rocker arms.





Important: The exhaust valve push rods (2) are longer than the intake valve push rods (1).


3. Remove the valve push rods.




4. Remove the valve rocker arm studs and push rod guide plates, if necessary.
5. Clean and inspect the valve rocker arms and push rods. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm and Push Rod Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical - 8.1 L Unit Repair.

Installation Procedure

Important: Be sure to keep parts in order. Parts must be put back from where they were removed.





1. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004, Canada P/N 10953480, or equivalent to the valve rocker arm stud-to-cylinder head threads.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

2. Install the push rod guides and valve rocker arm studs.

Tighten the valve rocker arm studs to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).





Important: The exhaust valve push rods (2) are longer than the intake valve push rods (1).


3. Install the valve push rods.




4. Coat the valve rocker arm and valve rocker arm ball bearing surfaces with lubricant GM P/N 12345501, Canada P/N 992704, or equivalent.
5. Install the valve rocker arms, the valve rocker arm balls and the valve rocker arm nuts.

Tighten the valve rocker arm nuts slowly to 25 Nm (18 lb ft), while guiding the tips of the rocker arms over the tips of the valves.

6. Install the valve rocker arm cover. Refer to Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Left Side or Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side Valve Rocker Arm Cover Replacement - Right Side.