GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

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?

Try the serpentine belt tensioner... They go quite often on higher mileage first gen vibes.

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!

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.

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.