I'm gearing up to do a timing chain and balance/silent shaft chain replacement and was considering replacing the bearings for the balance/silent shaft while I'm at it. Guide states a special tool is needed to remove and insert the bearings. Just wondering if anyone has done this and if there's an easy (cheap) work around for not having the tool.

if the motor is out you can use a cam bearing install tool i have the factory bearing install/removal tool

It's a fairly std. bearing puller/driver set, but why? Is the oil pressure low as measured by a mech gauge? oem gauge? If the oil pressure is low, it's probably too late, if pressure is ok, leave them alone. Measure the oil pump gears and cover clearance, and inspect for scoring, and make sure you get the new teardrop shaped rubber oil pressurized tensioner. I also often shim the oil pump relief spring (under the large nut/cover at the top right of the pump) with a flat washer to increase hot oil pressure some. You need the fullest set of parts you can find, because you need to replace the chains, maybe the sprockets, the guides complete (two for the timing chain and 3 I think for the balance shaft chains) and the teardrop tensioner, the timing cover gaskets, and the seal.

I was entertaining the idea of replacing since they're relatively inexpensive. Oil pressure seems fine as of now.

Just about all of what I read here regarding balance shafts is within the debate of eliminating or not eliminating.

Biggest problem is the rear upper and/or rear lower bearing will spin in the block- I would suggest that you replace those two bearings. easy to do with engine out but I would think that it should be possible in the car. the tool would be a simple cam bearing driver. There are no oil holes to line up so I'm pretty sure you could change them, I haven't done it in the car but here in the near future I might have the chance on a conquest. If you need any other advice on the engine feel free to call me at may shop. Number is on the web page.. www.enginemachineservice.com

Randy

Nice site Randy, thanks for the link.

Wish I would have had a bit more time, I had to do the job this weekend so I could get to work today. Went with the parts available which means I just opted for the balance shaft elimination kit. Drives OK for now. Maybe a rebuild this summer.