LS-LT Camshaft Retainer Plate / Seal

LS/LT Camshaft Retainer Plate / Seal – OE 12589016

The LS/LT Camshaft Retainer Plate / Seal is a replacement front camshaft thrust plate for GM LS-based and LT-based engines that use the OE 12589016-style cam retainer plate. This plate installs behind the timing cover at the front of the camshaft and helps keep the camshaft properly located while sealing the front oil passages.

This is a smart part to replace during a cam swap, timing set service, engine refresh, or LS/LT rebuild. Over time, the sealing ring on the original retainer plate can flatten, harden, or leak, which may allow oil pressure loss around the camshaft oil feed area. Replacing the retainer plate helps protect oil pressure, lifter supply, cam stability, and long-term engine reliability.

Features

• Replacement camshaft retainer plate / camshaft seal
• OE replacement number: 12589016
• Installs behind the timing cover at the front of the camshaft
• Helps control camshaft forward/backward movement
• Seals front oil passages feeding critical engine components
• Recommended during camshaft swaps, timing set replacement, and engine rebuilds
• Helps prevent oil pressure loss caused by worn or flattened retainer plate seals
• Suitable for many GM LS and LT engine applications using the 12589016-style plate

Function

This plate does two important jobs. First, it acts as the camshaft thrust retainer to help keep the camshaft properly positioned. Second, the integrated seal helps keep oil contained in the front oil passages that feed areas such as the lifters, camshaft, and main oiling system. Performance suppliers describe this style of retainer plate as fitting behind the front cover and sealing the front oil passages that feed the lifters, cam, and main bearings.

Common Engine Applications

Fits many GM LS/LT-style engines that use the camshaft retainer plate, including many:

• 4.8L LS-based V8 engines
• 5.3L LS/LT-based V8 engines
• 5.7L LS-based V8 engines
• 6.0L LS-based V8 engines
• 6.2L LS/LT-based V8 engines
• Select 4.3L and 6.6L GM applications using this OE-style retainer plate

Common Vehicle Application Range

Common applications may include select:

• Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra
• Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon
• Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Cadillac Escalade
• Cadillac CTS-V
• Pontiac GTO
• Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am
• Hummer H2 / H3
• Other GM LS/LT engine swap and performance applications

Important Fitment Notes

This part fits engines that use the GM OE 12589016-style camshaft retainer plate / seal. Because GM used different camshaft, timing gear, bolt, and VVT combinations across LS and LT engines, always confirm fitment by checking the original retainer plate, engine code, and bolt style before ordering.

If your engine uses the earlier flat/flanged hex-head bolt style or a VVT cam phaser setup, use with with four GM 11561455 Bolts.

Product Details

Part Number: 12589016
OE / OEM Number: GM 12589016
Replaces: GM 12556437
Product Type: Camshaft Retainer Plate / Camshaft Seal
Engine Family: GM LS / LT-style applications
Location: Front of camshaft, behind timing cover
Quantity: 1 plate / seal

Sold by Part-Ticular Parts Inc., a Canadian company offering Canadian and imported products.