Timing chain tensioner replacement

Tiny
BUBBLEBOY78
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 198,566 MILES
How do I replace the tensioner?
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 5:56 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Why are you replacing the tensioner? Is it making noise?

Usually you replace the chain at the same time.

Roy

Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprockets, and Tensioner Replacement

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the No. 1 cylinder spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement See: Spark Plug > Procedures.
3. Rotate the crankshaft in the engine rotational direction clockwise, until the No. 1 piston is at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement See: Timing Cover > Procedures.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Remove the camshaft cover. Refer to Camshaft Cover Replacement See: Valve Cover > Procedures.

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Important: The timing chain tensioner must be removed to unload chain tension before the timing chain is removed. If not removed, the timing chain will become cocked and it will be difficult to remove.

8. Remove the timing chain tensioner.

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9. Remove the upper timing chain guide.

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10. Use a 24 mm wrench to hold the camshafts from turning.

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11. Remove the exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt and discard.
12. Remove the exhaust camshaft sprocket.

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13. Remove the timing chain tensioner guide.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
BUBBLEBOY78
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Do I have to pull the engine out to do all this?
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 8:02 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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No, this is done with the engine in the car.

It is a tight fit but you can get to the front of the motor from both the upper end and from down under the car.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
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Thank you. Do you know what all I need to do to take it apart to fix it it's making a ticking sound?
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 8:57 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
A ticking sound?

Can you upload a video of the noise so I can hear it?

You will need a lot of basic hand tools. You will need a puller for the harmonic balancer and most likely an air gun or electric gun to release the bolt holding the balancer.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 9:02 AM

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