GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Here is an interesting article I found in the Montreal Gazette newspaper by The Car Doctor.The Vibe and Corolla does not have a rubber timing belt but does have a timing chain that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. The chain doesn't need to be replaced at a specific mileage like many vehicles where the belt must be replaced or it may brake. The secret to long chain life is frequent oil changes and the use of quality motor oil. Change the oil at the internals suggested in the owner's manual and try to use high quality brand-name oil. Using semi-synthetic or full synthetic oil will help the chain to last more than 120,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. You can tell if the chain is in trouble when it starts to become noisy. The chain uses a tensioner to take up any slack that develops as the chain wears. When the chain is too loose, it will make noise as it contacts the side of the chain cover and you will know it needs to be replaced. I hope this article is a good help to you all.

Timing chains are good. They really should last longer than 120,000 though, I've rarely heard of them being a problem even after 200,000+... Most will probably not have to be replaced.I was pleased to learn the Vibe had one when I bought the car since that meant less maintenance for the engine. But then I discovered that at 60,000 the engine still requires some rather invovled maintenance. The valves aren't hydraulically adjusted so you have to have the clearance inspected and if they are out of spec the procedure to correct them is rather involved and was quite costly when I got an estimate for it. That part was a bummer.I don't have a chain in my current car. So, before every 60K I'll be getting that belt changed!

many engines up to 2 litres or so have solid lifters even with a timing belt. Making for twice the maintanence. The old 1.6L toyota engine had this. But the valves and belts were both done at the same time...you were good. I believe Ford's Focus engine also has this lifter design.