So after careful consideration of all the advice given to my by you guys and after watching videos until my eyes got worn out I have decided to change my timing chain and balance shaft chains.
I have a water pump already. My HHR is the late production 2009. I know this as my HHR has the 2010 brake shoes which I’m changing now. The drums still have the factory retainers on the drum, so I’m guess the brake service I had done 2 years ago was not done or those wouldn’t still be there. 😒 One more reason I do my own vehicle work now.

Anyway, my 2.4 2LT with VVT has196000 miles on it. No codes ever but I’m hearing a possible chain rattle so before it goes on me I’m changing it. 👍

Among other things, I recently replaced the valve cover gasket but I didn’t clean the cover and I found oil in my throttle body so I will be taking the valve cover off this evening to clean the cover and free up the vent (should I add a catch can or will freeing up the vent fix the oil in throttle situation?) and inspect my chain and sprockets with my inspection camera.

My question is, do I need to replace all sprockets including the vvt cam sprockets or only those that appear worn. The cost of the cam sprockets is daunting. But if I must, I must. 😁

I trust you guys more than anyone to give me sound advice. So where can I get the best price and any advice what I need to be sure I get in addition to the kits.

Yes … I watched the cloyes video. I looked on rock auto and most of their cloyes kits do not include the idler sprockets and I don’t see them in the parts list. Also looking at the melling kits and the “economy kits”. So many options. Anyone wanna advise me on what I must get and what I should get? Or would u guys want to wait and I’ll get shots of my chains and sprockets and u guys can advise from there?

 

I have replaced several of these on my HHRs.

I don't replace the VVT cam sprockets. If I had seen any unusual wear, I would have.

I use the Cloyes kits, don't try to go cheap here.

There are no "idler sprockets" on the engine. Are you talking about the balance shaft sprockets?

Steve

 

hmmm. The rockauto site states idler sprockets not included. If there are no “idler sprockets”, maybe that’s why! Lol



So no need to change vvt sprockets unless I see unusual wear? That’ll save me a lot.

 

I just purchased the 94201ASWP. This one includes the water pump.
There are no idler gears in these engines, just crankshaft, balance shaft and camshaft sprockets.
I plan on only changing those sprockets that show wear.
Don't forget the melling guide bolt and ACDelco crankshaft seal.(do not use felpro).
Now if the temperature would drop below 100 I can get to work.

 

I have a water pump I was waiting to install. I can take it back and get the same kit. Easiest that way

i replace the crank seal just a month ago to stop a leak that gummed my serpentine belt leading it to slide off and get chewed up. 👍. I got the cheap one at oreillys but I’ll just keep an eye on it and change it if it starts to leak again.

any difference between Dorman and melling bolts?

 

Not that I know of.
I just don't use Dorman.

 

The Melling bolt has thread sealant applied and it is machined not stamped from drill rod


The 10mm Allen wrench hole is deeper

See the thread sealant.

 

If you already have water pump, get
Cloyes 9-4201SA that give you the crank sprocket, no camshaft sprockets, you reuse the cam phasers
and 9-4202SX balance shaft chain kit, there no sprockets included

Ive found RockAuto to be the best price and don’t forget the discount code

 

just checked and sa/sx combo is 151.58. The sawp is 169 and comes with water pump and all but the vvt/cam sprockets. Like I said, I’ve not installed the water pump so it’s better deal to return the pump I have and get the sawp. Then I’ll return the unused water pump and buy intake and exhaust solenoids (and new wheel cylinder I just found I need to replace &#129396.

 

Send the w/p back then.