OEM 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Timing Chain

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Timing Chain Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the timing chain, sprockets, and tensioner on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: Start by removing the Camshaft cover along with lifting the vehicle while replacing the Timing Chain components. Begin by taking off the engine front cover and placing your vehicle into its lowered position. A 24 mm open-end wrench on Camshaft flats should be used to rotate the Camshaft clockwise when viewed from the passenger side position. Use a 24 mm open-end wrench to turn the Camshaft clockwise while facing the Camshaft sprockets from the passenger side until the diamond-shaped hole on the intake Camshaft sprocket points to the 12 o'clock position and then remove the spark plugs to make rotating easier. After the Timing Chain Tensioner removal start by taking out the fixed Timing Chain Guide access plug and both the fixed Timing Chain Guide and upper Timing Chain Guide before locking the camshafts with a 24 mm wrench. Break the exhaust Camshaft sprocket bolt before separating the exhaust Camshaft sprocket and Timing Chain Tensioner guide and intake Camshaft sprocket bolt and intake Camshaft sprocket. The servicing process begins with Timing Chain extraction through the cylinder head top followed by crankshaft sprocket installation and oil nozzle/bolt materials. These steps lead to balance shaft drive chain tensioner installation accompanied by adjustable balance shaft chain guide and small balance shaft drive chain guide and upper balance shaft drive chain guide which require balance shaft drive chain slack gathering between crankshaft and water pump sprockets. The first step during installation involves installing the upper balance shaft chain guide followed by torquing its bolts to 15 n.m (133 lb in). The colored links on the balance shaft drive chain must face the balance shaft drive sprockets and crankshaft sprocket with their positions as follows: the copper link points to the intake side balance shaft sprocket timing mark and the first chrome link targets the crankshaft drive sprocket and the last chrome link faces the exhaust side balance shaft drive sprocket mark. Fasten all balance shaft chain guide bolts to 10 n.m (89 lb in) torque first then finish by tightening the adjustable balance shaft drive chain guide to the same torque specification. Rotate the tensioner plunger 90 degrees before using it to compress the tension until a paper clip fits between the two points. After inserting the Timing Chain Tensioner, tighten its bolts to 10 n.m (89 lb in). After installation of the oil nozzle and bolt to a 10 n.m (89 lb in) torque setting, position the crankshaft sprocket with its timing mark facing the 5 o'clock direction. Position the intake Camshaft sprocket by its int diamond at the 2 o'clock mark while hand-tightening a new intake Camshaft sprocket bolt. Guide the Timing Chain through the crankshaft sprocket and intake Camshaft sprocket ensuring that matching color links match their corresponding timing marks. Place the Timing Chain Tensioner guide before tightening its bolt to 10 n.m (89 lb in). Next, position the exhaust Camshaft sprocket with the exh triangle aiming at the 10 o'clock position. With a 24 mm wrench, lightly rotate the Camshaft to make the exhaust sprocket align before installing a new exhaust Camshaft sprocket bolt. Finally, install the fixed Timing Chain Guide by tightening its bolts to 15 n.m (133 lb in). Sealant compound requires application to the Timing Chain Guide bolt access hole plug before tightening it to 90 n.m (66 lb ft). Install the Timing Chain upper guide after tightening its bolts to 10 n.m (89 lb in). The Timing Chain Tensioner should undergo an inspection for damage while obtaining assembly dimensions; place the notch-end of the Piston assembly into j 45027-2 positioned in a vise. Using j 45027-1 turn the ratchet cylinder against the Piston direction. After cleaning the tensioner bore install the compressed Piston assembly into the Timing Chain Tensioner body so it measures 72 mm (2.83 in) from end to end before securing the tensioner with 75 n.m (55 lb ft) torque. To operate the tensioner use a rubber-tipped tool while using a 24 mm wrench to secure the Camshaft before torquing the new Camshaft bolts to 85 n.m (63 lb ft) with an additional 30 degrees. After raising the vehicle install the Camshaft cover then attach the engine front cover while lowering the vehicle before restoring the negative Battery Cable.