A special valve spring compressor from most aftermarket specialty tool manufacturers is necessary for this procedure, as the only alternative involves major disassembly of the engine and surrounding components by removing the
Timing Chains and camshafts. This engine is non-freewheeling, requiring the pistons to be down in the cylinder bore before compressing the valve and spring assembly to allow for rocker arm removal. Before starting, ensure the transmission is in Park, the parking brake is applied or the rear wheels are blocked, and the ignition system is disabled by disconnecting the primary electrical connectors at the ignition coils and removing the spark plugs. Remove the valve cover(s) and label and store the rocker arms and lash adjusters for reinstallation on the same valves. Rotate the engine clockwise by the crankshaft pulley/vibration damper bolt to position the pistons correctly for rocker arm removal from the corresponding cylinders. Use the valve spring compressor to relieve tension on the rocker arm for removal, and if only a few rocker arms or lash adjusters are being replaced, locate the corresponding cylinder number and rotate the crankshaft accordingly, keeping the rocker arm and lash adjuster together for reinstallation. After removing the rocker arms, pull out the lash adjusters and store them with the corresponding rocker arms. Inspect each rocker arm for wear, cracks, and damage, ensuring the rollers turn freely and checking the pivot area for any issues. Also, inspect the lash adjuster contact surfaces for wear or damage, confirming that they move freely in their bores without excessive play. Installation follows the reverse order of removal, with the exception that the lash adjuster should be installed first, ensuring they are at least partially full of oil, indicated by minimal lash adjuster plunger travel.