Should I change my timing chain?

Question

Ok i have a 2005 Chevy Malibu, 4 cylinder, and I'm almost at 100,000miles. I'm at 99,400miles. I came across a lot of answers saying that i should change my timing chain at 100,000miles, and I've also heard that your timing chain shouldn't have to be replaced. Do garages automatically check the chain after an oil change? So do i bring it in and change it? or no?

Answer 1

Don't be silly why replace something that isn't broken. If there is excessive noise from it being worn by all means but like I said if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Answer 2

The timing chain is pretty durable and not like a timing belt. It depends on how hard you are on your engine to begin with. If jack rabbit starts and driving the car as hard as you can or playing race car driver the timing chain should be replaced. If you took good care of your car and drove it nice and easy then its likely the chain is in good shape. If it makes you feel better have the timing chain replaced and put a new waterpump on the vehicle. This will insure that it will last a while longer.

Answer 3

I would change it just to be sure even though it is a little pricey. It's impossible to check the timing chain without taking the engine halfway apart. If the timing chain breaks on you while you're driving the engine will cut out immediately and you won't be able to get it going again without having it replaced so you'll have to have the car towed to the shop as well as being stranded on the side of the road. Plus it could cause severe engine damage because the valve and piston won't be in sync with each other and the valve could be open while the piston comes to the top of the stroke and the piston will smash the valve (which requires the engine to be taken completely apart to repair) and destroy it. It's up to you if you want to shell out around 1k to get the timing chain replaced or to just take your chances on all that.

Answer 4

Your car uses a timing belt not a chain. If it breaks you could damage your head and piston. They usually last longer than that on small cars but a malibu is heavy and puts alot of strain on that small engine. I would get it changed soon, it might be pricey but cheaper than a major engine repair. There's no way to check it without taking the cover off.

Answer 5

2005 Chevy Malibu 4 Cylinder

Answer 6

There's no maintenance schedule for a timn chain, It makes noise when it starts to wear out, Unlike neglected timing belts,,The chainr turns in an oil bath so keep the oil clean and the chain will go another 100,000

Answer 7

Wait til it breaks which wont be til two hundred thousand or a lot more beyond or when it acts up.. Ive been told the way to tell is if your car when turning over make irrational try to turn over... Like this click click... Click.....clickclick.. Click when its trying to start. My dad once changed the timing change on our grand marquis in the driveway he was cursing and it took him all day im imagining the shop will charge you highly to change it my dad just knows cars... It requirs take apart the belt and taking out the radiator and pulley.

Answer 8

The timing chain is pretty long lasting and no longer like a timing belt. It depends upon how difficult you are to your engine to start with. If jack rabbit begins and driving the auto as rough as you can or taking part in race car driver the timing chain must get replaced. If you happen to took just right care of your vehicle and drove it first-rate and handy then its possible the chain is in just right shape. If it makes you think higher have the timing chain replaced and put a brand new waterpump on the auto. This may increasingly insure that it is going to last a whilst longer.

Answer 9

well i have been working as a certified tech for 6 years plus my apprenticeship and i have never changed a chain before, i don't think i would worry about it

Answer 10

I'd change it. If it breaks, the valves can be bent when they strike the pistons with the cam and crank "out of time" due to the broken chain. Pushing it is an expensive risk.

Answer 11

if you have a timing CHAIN, then no let it go. if you have a timing BELT then get it changed asap.



and no you cant check a timing belt of chain, you just replace them at specific intervals

Answer 12

Do you have the owner's manual. There is a scheduled maintenance section in it. READ IT.

Answer 13

Ask your technician for their recommendation. There are many varying factors to consider.



If you have additional question, please feel free to contact me.



Louis

GM Customer Service