Is it hard to change a timing belt on a chevrolet cavalier?

Question

I would like to do it myself without taking it to a garage if it's not hard to change. My car has 78,000 miles on it.

Answer 1

All Caveliers, irregardless of which engine, have a timing chain, not a belt. Unlike a belt, a timing chain does not require replacement.

Answer 2

Chevy Cavalier Timing Belt

Answer 3

78,000 miles and you need a new timing belt? They are usually good for 150,000 to 250,000 miles. If you bought your car new, I'd check with the dealership about replacing it for you free... they sholdn't go bad that quickly.

In general changing the timing chain or belt on most vehicles is pretty time consuming, and very labor intensive. You may have a timing belt, but it is not like a fan belt, or an alternator belt.


To change the timing chain/belt you usually have to almost take the engine apart down to the level of the camshaft.

Volvo's are one of the few vehicles that I know that you can change a timing chain easily... all the rest are very difficult.

the first thing I would do is get the Chiltons repair manual for your vehicle. Look up timing belt replacement and see exactly how much work it would take.

Then I'd take it to the mechanic.

I'd take it to the mechanic and ask them directly (ie how difficult is this to do, could I do it? etc...)

Answer 4

I have good news for you.. A Chevy Cavalier does not have a belt. It has a timing chain and you should not have to worry about it. If you change your oil every 3-5 thousand miles, and keep your cooling system up.. (easy to blow a head gasket on the little 4 cyl cars) you might get another 70K out of it.

Answer 5

Your car has a timing chain. Not a belt. It is about a 6 hour job with the correct tools and sufficient knowledge. Why do you think the chain needs replacing?

Answer 6

i own a shop ,and its not too bad of a job providing that you have the right tools to do this with,other wise it can be a really hard job to do,most of the time the hardest thing is keeping the pulleys from moving once the old belt comes off,and if that mark moves on you ,none of us can help you with it,so id suggest you don't try this,because that top pulley will always jump out,once the belt is removed from it have a shop do this,good luck i hope this helps.