Exhaust camshaft actuator replacement

ROXSIE

MEMBER
2008 HUMMER H3
5 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

Had issues with Hummer where cylinder 3 bad. GM repaired issue and warranty paid for labor and replacement of cylinder head. GM says when they started it up it made a "horrible noise" and investigation found noise from timing belt because Exhaust Camshaft Actuator bad. GM says wear and tear could cause, warranty will not pay. $1,000.00 or so for fix. What would be the indication that this part was going bad? Could an error in reassembly cause this part to go bad?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,876 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Did it make noise prior to the repair? If not, then other than a check engine light indicating a timing issue, you wouldn't have known. As far as putting it together, the only thing I can think of that could be causing it to make noise was if the actuator wasn't fully advanced when it was installed. I would think that is unlikely if it is a dealership but anything is possible.

If you want to replace it yourself, let me know and I'll tell you how. It isn't the easiest job and does require a fuel special tools, but it can be done at home if needed.

I attached a picture of the actuator so you can see what it is.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, August 1st, 2019 AT 9:49 PM

ROXSIE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks so much Joe. I did give the dealer the go ahead to replace the part. Oddly enough, upon reassembly the timing chain still making noise. They say it is stretched and they will replace the timing chain on their dime. Hmmm

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Friday, August 2nd, 2019 AT 1:56 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,876 POSTS

Interesting. (You are very welcome) Did it make that noise prior to the original repair?

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, August 2nd, 2019 AT 7:49 PM

ROXSIE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No prior noise. I don't know a lot about vehicle repair but I'm thinking. Upon first reassembly after valve cover replacement, they say I have a bad actuator and the repair cost is on me as a wear and tear part. Should this part have been inspected before reinstall? "Occam's razor" theory says that all things being equal, the easiest solution is probably the correct one. I now believe that the actuator and timing belt were misaligned on first reassembly, trashing the actuator. On second reassembly the timing chain is stretched, again I return to the misalignment theory prior. If misaligned, chain could possibly ride up on actuator and stretch? Thursday they say they will replace timing chain on their buck (when does that ever happen) and they will get on it right away as their boss wants this vehicle out of their shop. It is now Monday, no call, no Hummer. Concerned my engine is toasted.

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Monday, August 5th, 2019 AT 9:03 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Hmm, It does sound like they messed something up which happens. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Here is the correct way to install the timing chain and actuators. Also these engines have balance shafts which have problems that make noise as well. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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