Timing belt change on 2006 Aveo LS: My new detailed write-up

[thankful_ragamuffin]

I agree with Avguy; you need to find another shop. As a service manager, I can tell you a well run shop will have a good relationship with its suppliers and if a part failed, even outside of the basic warranty period, the supplier will step up to the plate and help out. Most shops have a fund set aside to help customers when things go wrong that are not really anybody's fault (crap happens) - my boss just did a goodwill engine on a Duramax ($12,000) because the rebuilder has a B.S. warranty. So you shouldn't be continually paying for the same repair. If the shop blames the car, it is a sign that the techs are too lazy to research the repair procedures - the engineering in these cars is sound. These engines were used in Europe for years before the Koreans started using them. Ask around to find a better shop.

[Niran]

Thank you Zubin, your instructions and photos are better than a Haines workshop Manual. I was able to replace my daughters Holden Barina TK timing belt (after much consternation as to why any engine designer in their right mind would incorporate the water pump into the valve drive system) with a sense of achievement, specially since I saved many hundreds of $$ as quoted by my local Holden service department.

Your idea about marking the new belt with white-out saved a lot of time and energy when trying to line up the belt for tensioning. I was also able to get away with using adjustable locking plumbing pliers instead of the special tool to rotate the water pump for tensioning.

I was also lucky (keeping my fingers crossed), that the water pump was in good shape and hence my considered decision to leave it alone (without completely removing it from the engine to replace the housing gasket). I would advise to readers to use their own judgment depending on the age of your Engine.

thanks muchly.

[xintersecty]

I replaced the seal on my water pump the last time I did this repair. No way I am touching that again. I had to remove the plastic that was covering up the water pump that was covered up by the valve gears. I love my aveo but after that process I really wanted to punch that engineer (committee).

[xintersecty]

Yeah, but get a quote first. It's actually an easy replace. It's tedious and there is not too much in the way. However if you have to replace the water pump, that's a bitch as you have to take off the cam gears. They don't break easily and then there is that crap plastic in the way.

But since I don't trust mechanics, it's takes a lot for me to part with my cold hard cash to give to a mechanic.

[PoisonIvy]

A 2008 is a 1st generation. They have much more fragile timing belt related pieces. Unfortunately a lot of owners find out about the 60,000 mile change after its too late.

[Brettmcknz]

Hi, I just finished doing the timing belt on my girlfriends aveo. All went well. I started running the engine to circulate the coolant, and slowly a rubbing sound turned up. It increased until I turned the engine off. I checked under the belt cover, and the belt has worked its way off the centre of the pulleys, away from the outer cover. I put brand new tensioner and idler, and I was pretty happy with how they were sitting. Could it be the water pump? What do you suggest I do?

Thanks

[avguy]

First check to see that the 3 allen bolts of the WP are all torqued correctly (best done with an inch torque wrench), and that the tension is still corect (i.e. pointers align). If those are ok, then the other possibilities that come to mind are a defective part, debris stuck in the belt, or one of the other parts not torqued down flat to the block.

[justice4kurt182]

Many thanks for this write-up. You were very through. just got my belt done a couple days ago using this. much better then the instructions from All-data i printed off from work.

[RAY_MEALER]

I have the 09 Chevrolet Aveo LS with the goofy cam please can you tell me if these are the actual timing marks

[RAY_MEALER]

I have the 09 Chevy Aveo LS and its got the goofy cam pulleys here's a photo are these the actual timing marks