OEM 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Timing Chain

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the timing chain, sprockets, or tensioner on 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?

  A: First detach the negative Battery Cable then remove the camshaft cover with the no. 1 cylinder Spark Plug before starting the replacement. The Crankshaft should be rotated clockwise to reach top dead center compression position for the no. 1 Piston. Lift the automobile before removing the front engine cover do proceed to lower the car. When working with the Timing Chain Tensioner remove it to release tension on the camshaft cover. The upper Timing Chain Guide must be removed before grasping the camshaft with a 24 mm wrench to discard the exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt for exhaust camshaft sprocket removal. The order is to remove the Timing Chain Tensioner guide and Engine Mount and fixed Timing Chain Guide access plug and guide and intake camshaft sprocket bolt followed by the intake camshaft sprocket. The work sequence starts with Timing Chain removal from the cylinder head opening followed by Crankshaft sprocket and oil nozzle and bolt and balance shaft chain tensioner and adjustable balance shaft drive chain guide and small balance shaft drive chain guide and upper balance shaft drive chain guide and balance shaft drive chain. Start installation by placing the upper balance shaft chain guide first and tighten its bolts to 15 nm (133 inch lbs.). After that, add the small balance shaft chain guide and torque its bolts to 10 nm (89 inch lbs.). Screw the adjustable balance shaft drive chain guide into place then tighten its bolts to 10 nm (89 inch lbs.). Follow these instructions to install the Timing Chain Tensioner by first compressing the plunger then adding the tensioner and finishing by tightening the bolts to 10 nm (89 inch lbs.). Install the balance shaft drive chain tensioner oil nozzle after removing its paper clip and tightening the bolt to 10 nm (89 lb in). Install the Crankshaft sprocket at 5 o'clock position with timing mark visible. Lower the Timing Chain through cylinder head access opening and install the intake camshaft sprocket at 2 o'clock position with its int diamond clearly displayed. Hand-tighten the new intake camshaft sprocket bolt. Guide the Timing Chain to run in proper order around both the Crankshaft sprocket and intake camshaft sprocket while keeping their colored links correctly placed. Fitting the Timing Chain Tensioner guide calls for screwing it down with a 10 nm (89 inch lbs.) torque then adding the exhaust camshaft sprocket while aligning its exh triangle marker at 10 o'clock before hand-tightening a new exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt. Fasten the fixed Timing Chain Guide to 15 nm (133 inch lbs.) while checking that all colored links maintain their designated alignment marks. Use gm p/n 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) sealant on the Timing Chain Guide bolt access hole plug before torquing it to 90 nm (66 lb ft). Install the Engine Mount then check for Timing Chain Tensioner damage and measure the entire tensioner assembly length. Before installing the new Timing Chain Tensioner assembly and tightening it to 75 nm (55 ft. Lbs.), clean the bore and compress the Timing Chain Tensioner using j 45027-2 and j 45027-1 . Use a 24 mm wrench to secure the camshaft while you tighten new bolts on the camshaft to 85 nm (63 ft. Lbs.) with 30 degrees added. After tightening the upper Timing Chain Guide bolts to 10 nm (89 lb in), complete the installation by putting on the camshaft cover followed by the engine front cover, raising the vehicle and reattaching the negative Battery Cable.