Timing Belt & Water Pump DIY Questions

[GhettoHippie84]

Hello everyone, My 2012 1.8L auto Sonic has over 82,000miles now. I'm a fairly experienced mechanic & I know it's time for a timing belt & water pump. I've found timing belt water pump combos on the net for pretty good prices. Has anyone gotten into this project? Is this something I can do in my home garage without a lift? Is there special (chevy only) tools that I must have to do this project? I really can't afford to buy the $200+ repair manual that I have found on the net or from chevy at $299+. Any help and/or advise would be greatly appreciated

 

[jgrote]

Jump in, take pictures, make a how to thread, and become a SOF hero! Have you checked youtube yet? That is where I generally start for tutorials on car repairs. Just remember to also search for Cruze too.

 

[keekahm]

So whatever happened? I'm pretty sure I need to change mine too.

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[$ub$onic]

The timing belt is straight forward.

Check out cruze talk and see if they have a how to.

Or use a how to from a Z16LER (vauxhall VXR) the 1.6 is a very similar motor and the timing belt change is the same process.

 

[keekahm]

So sonic and cruze is the same procedure?

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[$ub$onic]

Timing Belt & Water Pump DIY Questions

1.8 cruze has the same engine...


If you buy oem GM tools your going to have about $250 in tools to lock the cams and hold the tensioner in place. At that point it's going to cost you the same as having the dealer change it for you.


If you get a cheaper kit from the UK for the VXR, your around $60-$70 in tools.

 

[keekahm]

1.8 cruze has the same engine...


If you buy oem GM tools your going to have about $250 in tools to lock the cams and hold the tensioner in place. At that point it's going to cost you the same as having the dealer change it for you.


If you get a cheaper kit from the UK for the VXR, your around $60-$70 in tools.

Thanks. Its going into the dealer tomorrow morning. It should still be covered under the powertrain warranty hopefully.

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[$ub$onic]

Thanks. Its going into the dealer tomorrow morning. It should still be covered under the powertrain warranty hopefully.

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Timing belt is not a warranty item, it's a wear item just like brake pads.

Dealer should charge around $500 to change the belt(parts and labor)

 

[keekahm]

Well it is the water pump that is leaking. I'll see what they say tomorrow.

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[$ub$onic]

Ah, sorry. Did not read that far back.

 

[keekahm]

Ah, sorry. Did not read that far back.

Went to the dealer today. They replaced the pump for free as it was covered under the power train warranty.

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[jgrote]

Did you ask them to throw in a new TB while they were in there? Seems like they should be willing to do it more just the cost of the belt.

 

[keekahm]

Did you ask them to throw in a new TB while they were in there? Seems like they should be willing to do it more just the cost of the belt.

No. I did not even think about it! This is my very first car.

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[WyrTwister]

We have a 2015 Sonic 1.8l & I have been researching the timing belt topic . Our 1.8l has the water pump external from the engine , driven by the serpentine belt , that also other external accessories .

Is your 1.8l the same ?

I read the earlier Aveo's had a different engine , that did have the water pump driven by the timing belt .

Am I correct , or confused ?

God bless
Wyr

 

[rojoes]

Lisle DUAL CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT SPROCKET HOLDER $26.78
https://jet.com/product/detail/b84c...156828341100&gclid=CPCbq87b98sCFUEkhgod7WMJFg

 

[Smartdave]

That sprocket holder will not work with the vvt valve system we have. .

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[rojoes]

That sprocket holder will not work with the vvt valve system we have. .

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Camshaft Alignment Locking Timing Tool En 6340 EN6340 KM 6340 KM6340 1 4 1 6 1 8 | eBay

This one works

 

[Smartdave]

That's correct. That's the one that I bought and used

 

[$ub$onic]

Hopefully this will give people a better idea of what they are dealing with.