New Aveo

[petflunky]

Hi there! Just bought my first Aveo yesterday. It's a 2005 hatchback, bright red. It is the base model, 5speed, generic radio, and no a/c. The body looks pretty good for its age, a few small dents and dings, a couple of pieces of broken interior parts, nothing major. The window has a crack in it, but I can live with that. It has over 215,000 miles on it, and seems to be going strong.

Anyway, two questions:
1. How do I check the timing belt? I want to check it to see if it needs to be changed. It probably does, but if I don't have to change it, I won't.

2. I heard a rattling noise today, when driving my car. It went away after a couple of minutes. Loose heat shield? What do you think??

Thanks for the help! :0)

[classic67]

215!! wow good stuff. Id change it anyway just to be safe. Rattling could be anything but if you could pinpoint where it is it would narrow down the possibilities. Welcome to the forum

[petflunky]

I kind of figured that. I thought I'd ask, just to see. Thanks for the prompt response!

[milesvinson]

Get a complete timing belt kit w/ water pump. I got one from NAPA last year. It was a Gates and came w/ : belt, waterpump, tensioner, pully. I think it cost me about $170, but you can probably get them cheaperf online. It is also advisable to first flush out the colling system w/ a good flush before starting the timing belt. It is also advisable to replace the thermostat when you do this job. Be sure to use DEXCOOL anti-freeze. You will need a special tool to properly adjust the tension on the timing belt. I've seen where some have done this w/o it but it greatly makes the job easier. I do not remember the # of the tool but you can look it up. I got mine on Ebay for about $25 shipped - good investment.

[classic67]

At 215 I don't think coolant matters lol its a miracle its still running.

[Pooh Man]

Thats awesome- 215k n still going strong. I love hearing about high mileage aveos, a lil assurance is comforting. Congrats on ur purchase.

[petflunky]

Thanks! My next door neighbor is a mechanic, and he took is for a spin and looked it over for me (he has a full on HOIST in his garage!) and said it looked really good. No leaks, only one rattle he could find (loose flex pipe) and that's about it. Next thing is taking care of the timing belt, and I'll be good to go :0)

[milesvinson]

Yeah, the flex connector can really rattle when it breaks. I changed it about a month ago. I purcased the complete bolt in assembly and a new NTK O2 sensor plus the two washers at NAPA. Had about $250 in it and about 30 minutes time.