I have 149,000 on our 06. Should I change the timing belt? Everyone says when you change timing belt your should change water pump. is there anything else to do at the same time ? Thanks

 

HHR does not have a timing belt, it uses a chain. However you might want to change the timing chain tensioner, its a simple job, just unscrew the old one and put a new one in. Theres a how-to if you do a forum search.

 

Our cars do not have timing belts. We have timing chains. Chains do not have set time intervals as they are typically able to last the life of an engine. There have been some on here, however, that have suffered timing chain failures and when that happens it will do sever damage to the engine. But while there have been failures I would be willing to bet that many have passed the 200k mark without failure or change.

I am not going to tell you not to change yours though because it is your money and not mine and if it does go it will cost a bit to fix/replace things. So with that said, if you do decide to change it in then yes change the water pump while you are in there.

 

Do you have the old style tensioner ? If so i have a extra one brand new after i replaced my chain at 170,000 ,cloyes make a good kit for it also change the water pump while in there no worries for a another 150,000 miles

 

When you change the water pump you WILL need a special "ecotech water pump tool". Unless you really want or need to change out your timing chain set.

The tool holds the water pump sprocket in place while the pump is R&Rd, so you don't have to remove the timing chain cover.


Please do yourself an incredible huge favor and read a manual on how to do the job. Check your PM.