JCC

Have 2008 HHR with 2.2 engine having 95,000 miles. Thinking about changing the timing chain tensioner as preventive maintenance (PM). In changing this part (tensioner) will the front motor mount and harmonic balancer have to be removed? I'm planning on NOT having to take off the value cover for this job... am I right?


What brand of replacement part (for the tensioner) is recommended beside GM... if any? I heard of one that gave better oiling to the chain, which was helping with the wearing of parts. But can't remember if it was a remake of the GM part or an after market part.


After replacing the tensioner, when would you then say the chain, sprockets, guides and the rest of the timing chain be replaced? Any factory miles stated/given for this replacement by GM?


Any advice for making the timing chain last, as reading about it sounds like some last only 50,000 - 70,000 miles and other last 200,000. When I read that some shops are getting in many cars with the same problem of failing parting I think it is the parts from that GM factory which got bad parts. And those cars went to that area having the same problem, when other GM factories got the same parts from another supplier and the same part had no problem. But then there is the question of using the correct oil as being the problem....
Thanks for your input, JC

Lucky

Ok if your talking about the tensioner it threads in to the cyl head and to set it after install you must remove the valve cover.

I replaced mine after I started to hear the chain rattle on start up. I used a gm delco tensioner on mine.

The oiling that you mention is an small plastic orifice that is behind the front engine cover and held in by one bolt.

Here is the tensioner. The one on the right is the old style the left one is the updated tensioner. Note the hump on the updated part.

Lucky

Here is what the oil orifice looks like.

Regis

Hey Lucky,

I am doing the water pump and timing chain this weekend on my 08' HHR Panel, would like to add the oil nozzle you pointed out. Is this a dealer item, or is eBay/Amazon a good source?

Regis in Cleveland

Oldblue

I found this GM part from a GM parts distribution place , good price! And on EBay!!

NOZZLE | Genuine GM | 12577163


So both are correct! GM and eBay

But I don't see this part number listed in the common part number list.
And I don't see it listed with any timing chain kits!