Timing belt change on 2006 Aveo LS: My new detailed write-up

[vante@q.com]

Also, get a good kit.
Gates is always good quality.

[lalahaha1]

I am a shade tree mechanic, with a good amount of tools.
If you can get your hands on an impact wrench, you will be in great shape.
I have had mine for more than 10 years, and cant think what life was like with out it!
The right tool makes all of the difference.

Totally agree about the right tool. But not sure if I'll be able to swing getting an impact wrench at this time..may look at renting an electric one, if thats possible, since I dont have a compressor.
I read the Gates kit water pump has a plastic impeller so Im wondering if it's a good idea. But I'll keep it in mind as I research other ones (such as CRP, Goodyear..)

Thanks again for your input.

[vante@q.com]

I think that the Home Depot rents the electric ones.
Harbor Freight has one for sale that is a 1/2" drive for under $50.00.
Just a couple of options. Comes off in a minute!

[lalahaha1]

Thanks, I'll definitely look into it...also currently researching inserting something into the flywheel..as soon as I found out what and where that is and whether it's effective.

[vante@q.com]

Good Luck.
Keep me posted.
Joe

[wyzard]

Great writeup!! It was truly the best thing I could find to assist in the belt change. In my case I had to reman the head because the belt tensioner broke. The belt was fine. I would suggest an addition: When adjusting the tension on the timing belt I found that just removing the alternator and laying to the side provided plenty room for a channel lock plier to turn the water pump. The water pump adjusting tool would have cost 40.00 bucks and the alternator method only took an extra 15 minutes.

[JusteR]

+1 on the good write-up! Mad respect to those of you that don't do this sort of thing every day!!

Also, I appreciate the alternator tip. I will be adding this to my bag of tricks.

[Polluted]

What is the reason for removing the motor mount? Is it holding the bottom timing belt cover in place?

[hustler]

What is the reason for removing the motor mount? Is it holding the bottom timing belt cover in place?

I found access a lot easier to get at anything on that side of the engine with the MM out. I am sure you could hypothetically do it with the mount in place, but for the 2 mins it takes to get out it's worth it from an access perspective.

[skydriver2008]

Need some advice here...

2006 Aveo, just given to me by my Dad. He was unaware of the timing belt issue on this car and never had it done. Its at 133K miles! Needless to say, he was fortunate. I have been following the guide and all WAS going well. I'm at the point where I need to rotate the water pump, and I've got a new one to replace it as well. Unfortunately, because this thing has gone twice as far as recommended and it has been baking in the Florida heat for 7 years, the water pump is cooked on there. I cannot rotate this thing for anything. I've cut the timing belt for better access, and I've got the special tool and using a breaker bar, even with a pipe on the end. I have I have tried penetrating oil, I've hammered the face of the pulley to try to vibrate it loose, and most recently I used a hand torch to put heat to it. Thing will not budge!! I'm frustrated and tired and don't know what else to do. Any thoughts, anyone?