Quote Originally Posted by Daox View Post
Timing Belt Change Walk-Through
2006 Chevy Aveo LS
by Zubin Chandran updated 9May10
revision 1

With the water pump tool or pliers, rotate the water pump until pointer A lines up with notch C. Tighten the water pump down. Make sure your markings on the belt and pulleys still line up exactly! If not, you need to remove the belt and try again. Then using a 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar, rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise exactly two turns. When you are done, the crankshaft notch should again be pointing straight down, and the two camshaft pulley notches should be facing directly at each other. Obviously your markings will no longer match up. You are doing this to evenly distribute the tension in the belt.

Now, loosen the water pump bolts. Once again using the water pump tool, relieve tension until pointer A aligns exactly with pointer B. Tighten up the water pump bolts. You are done!
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Hi, my 04 Aveo's tensioner failed in the driveway this weekend and I am doing the repair at home. I am replacing the tensioner and timing belt per this write-up with great hope that no valves are bent. I am stuck at the point above and could use some help. I have the timing belt on, the water pump bolts are loose and I need to apply tension to the belt. By what I am reading, I need to turn the water pump gear itself, but the belt has to be pushed aside slightly to get pliers around them. I just want to make sure I am understanding this correctly, so any help you can provide would be great.
Also, in another write up I have referenced, (Timing belt) it shows his crank shaft gear at the notch on the inner cover, about 8 o'clock, but you advise that it should be pointing straight down, about 6 o'clock. My inner cover's notch is at 8 o'clock so I am unsure which is correct. Please advise. Thank you again for your help.