Timing Chain

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
Post Reply
RedRocket
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Timing Chain

Post by RedRocket »

First off I have a 2004 base model Vibe with the 1.8L engine with 157K on it,it runs great and doesn't use any oil.I recently notcied that the engine is making a odd noise while running. First I thought it was a lifter pecking,but upon futher inspection it sounds like the timing chain may be loose and is rubbing the cover. Im not sure,but I do know that it is either the timing chain,or one of the pullys,because it is definatly coming from that area. Can anyone give me any info on the timing chain? Could a tensioner pully cause this if it was bad? I just don't wanna go through all the trouble of replacing the timeing chain and it turn out that it is still good and it be something else. Is there anyway to tell if its the timeing chain before you tear it apart?
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
star_deceiver
Posts: 5802
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Timing Chain (RedRocket)

Post by star_deceiver »

Try the serpentine belt tensioner... They go quite often on higher mileage first gen vibes.
2021 Ram 1500 4x4 CCSB
2019 Ram 3500 4x4 CCSB srw 8HP75 (traded in - 04/15/21)
2016 Ram 3500 4x4 RCLB Dually w/stick (traded in - 05/10/19)
2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 Cheyenne 4x4 (Traded in - 03/30/16)
2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
yangiant51
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:22 am

Re: Timing Chain (RedRocket)

Post by yangiant51 »

I would get it checked out ASAP. My 03 base had 170k when I was hearing the same kind of noise, thought it was the tensioner, too, needed to go another few hundred miles to the next oil change so I thought I'd wait til then to get it checked out- big mistake! The timing chain broke and took out the motor!
RedRocket
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Re: Timing Chain (yangiant51)

Post by RedRocket »

What do you guys think it would cost to have the dealership change the timing chain?? I probably could do it,but really ain't got the time right now.
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
jake75
Posts: 4792
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2003 1:33 pm
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: Timing Chain (RedRocket)

Post by jake75 »

Quote, originally posted by RedRocket »What do you guys think it would cost to have the dealership change the timing chain?? I probably could do it,but really ain't got the time right now.Guessing about 50% more than an independent mechanic. Or perhaps you should check both a Toyota dealer and GM. The Toyota mechanics likely have a lot more experience changing the timing belt on that engine.
2009 Vibe 1.8L Carbon Gray AT Power Pkg 1/12/092003 Vibe 1.8L Neptune AT Mono Power Pkg 1/27/03 [sold 2/2/09]2007 T&C SWB 7/31/07 "Broke people stay broke by living like they're rich. Rich people stay rich by living like they're broke."
Post Reply