Balance Shaft: Service and Repair

Fig. 7 Balance Shaft Assembly:

A balance shaft system is used on 3.8L/V6-232 to provide increased engine smoothness. The counter-rotating shaft, driven by a gear mounted on the camshaft snout between the camshaft thrust plate and sprocket, is located above the camshaft in the cylinder block valley area. The balance shaft is retained in the cylinder block by a thrust plate, and rides on bearings very similar to that of the camshaft.
1. Remove engine from vehicle as described under ENGINE.
2. Remove timing case cover and timing chain as described under TIMING CASE COVER & TIMING CHAIN.
3. Remove oil pan as described under OIL PAN
4. Remove balance shaft thrust plate, Fig. 7, then the balance shaft. Do not damage bearings during removal.
5. Reverse procedure to install. Lubricate balance shaft bearing journals with suitable lubricant.