.
Asks: Yuri Ustinov.
Question:So is it still a chain or a timing belt?
I want to buy a Chevrolet Cobalt. But in our city there are few of them sold. I called one seller, he says that he changed the timing belt. To another, he says that there is a chain on Cobalt and it only needs to be tightened. He did not tighten it, since the mileage is no more than 45,000. He says that it is necessary to tighten it when there is a clattering noise or the mileage exceeds a hundred!
Where is the truth and where is the lie? Is it worth buying Cobalt with a timing chain mechanism?
The following two tabs change content below.
Alexey "technical specialist"
I'm just sick of cars. I try to study in detail every car I have owned. I like night driving along the city streets. I try to do my own repairs on my cars!
About the engine
The timing mechanism on the Chevrolet Cobalt is chain.
The engine in the Chevrolet Cobalt is durable and has excellent technical characteristics.
As a result, the motor is quite inexpensive to repair. Its also special feature is that It has a timing chain, not a belt. .
Advantages of the chain mechanism
Since the chain is more reliable, it can last for more than long term than a belt.
Chain replacement kit.
It will have to be changed after 250,000 kilometers.
But it is worth remembering that it needs to be tightened periodically . It is recommended to do this every 70–80 thousand kilometers mileage
Disadvantages (increased noise)
Features of chain replacement
New chain up close.
Replacement is made only complete with rollers. If you tension the chain on time, it will last for a long time.
Selecting it will also not be difficult, since engine modifications in Cobalt, which are intended for operation in domestic conditions, A little. To buy a chain, you should visit only specialized stores. You should buy only from time-tested sellers in order to save yourself from unnecessary hassle and costs.
Two class B cars on one platform - very rare. In one of the previous issues (ZR, 2013, No. 11) we wrote about Aveo service. Now let's see if the cheap Cobalt co-platform will also be more repairable.
SINGLE OWNER
Only one engine is available for the Russian Cobalt. In our market you will not find this engine under the hood of other Chevrolets. Unlike most of its GM brethren, it has a timing drive with a maintenance-free chain - you don’t have to spend a decent amount on regulatory replacement belt with rollers.
Drive unit attachments depends on the configuration. Cars without air conditioning are available for order, but the service has not yet seen one of these. In the rest, the main belt is equipped with an automatic tensioner. To replace it, you will first have to remove the additional drive belt for the power steering pump, which does not have tensioner. You need to use a special puller or partially unscrew the pump. The solution is not the best, because the main belt is required to be replaced every 90,000 km or ten years.
The ignition coils are hidden under a plastic cover in which the oil separator for the ventilation system is built-in crankcase gases. It is secured with five bolts. The ventilation hose does not need to be removed. But if you want to completely remove the cover, you need to press the rectangular lock on its lock. Removing the coils is not difficult; they are secured with ordinary bolts. The regulations require changing spark plugs every 30,000 km or two years.
Lid air filter It is held on by two self-tapping screws for Torx 25 and three protrusions that fit into the slots on the body. You just need to take it out and move it a little to the side. Replacement interval - 30,000 km.
There is no plastic around the battery - there is nothing to break. Her metal holder secured with just one bolt. Terminals in standard design.
Replacement fuel filter not provided for by the regulations. But, given our realities, someday it will need to be cleaned or replaced. The filter is built in fuel pump and, unfortunately, not available as a separate spare part. To remove the assembly, you will have to remove the tank. After all, like on the Aveo, there is no technological hole in the body.
WET CASE
For the engine drain plug you need a regular 15mm wrench. There is a hole in the factory crankcase protection for it. Oil filter located on the front of the engine. Access is not very good. Most often you need a puller; your hands may not be strong enough. It's easier to do it from below, but you can try from above. This choice is useful when you only need to change the filter.
Finally, the updated manual transmission has normal drain and filler plugs, albeit with a square head. On the same Aveo they still install a unit in which you need to unscrew the pan to drain the oil. Formally, it is flooded for its entire service life, but someday it will have to be carried out to drain it.
The hydromechanical “automatic” migrated from the Aveo. To access the drain plug, the protection will have to be removed. The filler hole is on top of the unit, under a large plastic cover, and the control hole is on the side. The required oil level on a heated box is under the edge of the hole. These days the solution is not the most sophisticated. Replacement interval - 75,000 km per harsh conditions operation and 150,000 km in normal ones.
The power steering system has comfortable spot to drain liquid. Formally, the oil is filled for the entire service life, but, as practice shows, it requires periodic replacement. His condition is clearly visible in expansion tank. If the oil has become very black, do not delay replacing it.
The antifreeze drain plug is located on the right side of the radiator. Under its fitting in the “TV” there is a through hole. True, the antifreeze will still spread in all directions, so for ease of draining, put a hose on the fitting. You do not need to remove it for this operation. additional elements- very comfortably. Replacement interval is 150,000 km or five years.
Replacement brake fluid- every two years. Fittings on brake mechanisms conveniently located. When replacing the front pads, you will need a “7” hexagon for the guides on which the caliper is mounted. Rear design drum brakes ordinary. An inspection window is provided so that you can assess pad wear without removing the drum. But the beam prevents you from using it. Apparently, the engineers were in a hurry when they “introduced” the nodes to each other.
LIGHT UP
I'm glad that you don't have to remove the headlights to replace the bulbs. After all, then the bumper would also have to be removed. Access is equal and acceptable on both sides. Dimensions and running lights combined in one lamp. There is no need to remove the tricky connector with the lock; just turn the socket counterclockwise. It's the same with the turn signal lamp.
The low beam lamp is secured with the usual spring bracket. When replacing, you need to remove two rubber covers: on the well under the lamp and on its connector. The first one is difficult to put back on. In addition to the well, it sits tightly on the lamp base and has three small holes for contacts - difficult to align the first time. The cover on the connector can be moved to the side, but this does not help much: visibility due to the main cover is very limited. Access to lamps in PTF is only from below. You need to partially unscrew the fender liner and bend it back.
To replace the license plate lamp, you must remove its housing. To do this, press the tongue on the right with a screwdriver. Remove the lamp socket by turning it counterclockwise.
The lights will have to be removed to replace the bulbs. They are secured to two self-tapping screws and two guides that fit into the body pistons. It doesn't require much effort to remove.
RESULT
Chevrolet Cobalt scored 13.8 points (they correspond to the total number of standard hours spent on the above operations). In general, it really turned out to be easier and cheaper to maintain than the Aveo. No special skills are required from the owner. I'm glad the engineers did the right thing drain plug on mechanical box. It’s just a pity that they didn’t have the enthusiasm to cut a window in the back for the fuel pump.
Thank you for your help in preparing the material. dealership Trinity Motors Belaya Dacha.
The Chevrolet Cobalt model has become very common and popular among car enthusiasts. This is explained by performance characteristics cars are on high level. The machine is durable, and therefore has almost no problems with repairs. If you really need reliable car, then you should pay attention to Cobalt. One of the features of this vehicle is that it has a timing chain installed in it.
Features of the power unit on the Chevrolet Cobalt
Chevrolet Cobalt with timing chain and gas system.
Two types of power units can be installed on a car. Their main difference from engines of other Chevrolet brands is the timing drive. Cars in our country are delivered mainly with a chain, but in Europe you can also see cars with a belt. We also have such cars, but they are mostly imported from abroad. There are relatively few of them, and therefore this article will focus specifically on the features of machines with a timing chain.
Chevrolet Cobalt is installed Gas engine GM Powertrain S-Tec III.
Advantages of the timing chain mechanism
To the advantages chain drive mechanism is that the service life of such motors is long. The manual shows that the chain can last a minimum of 250,000 kilometers.. Thanks to this, such a unit costs less to maintain when compared to a belt drive. It will need to be repaired after 60 000 kilometers run.
When to pull up?
Also, do not forget that the chain can stretch over time, and therefore you will need to constantly monitor its condition. This will make it possible to avoid problems and save on repairs.
It is important to remember that the chain must be tightened every 70–80 kilometers run.
When to change the chain?
It must be replaced when the engine noise increases and a rumble appears in the area engine compartment when dialing power unit rpm If the chain is not tensioned in time, then it will have to be completely changed later..
If there is increased noise, the timing chain should be replaced.
Timing chain selection
Before carrying out work on replacing the chain, it is worth choosing it correctly. It's easy to do. Since the engine does not have many modifications, there is no need to carefully select such a part. At the market or in a store, you can choose only one chain for Cobalt.
However, some rules should be followed when purchasing. Among them are::
- You should only buy from time-tested sellers.
- You should not purchase chains from an unknown manufacturer.
These rules are basic, and therefore they should be followed so as not to create additional problems. Also, repair kits should be purchased only original ones. They can also be contractual.
When replacing a chain, it is worth changing all the sprockets.. Such parts are also subject to wear. In order for the parts to fit well, they must be purchased as a set.
When replacing the timing chain, the sprockets should also be replaced.
Replacing the timing chain on a Chevrolet Cobalt
You can change the chain yourself, without going to a service station. Before work, the car must be properly prepared. His Be sure to put the handbrake on and remove the battery. You also need to remove the air filter and the cover on the head.
FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE OF THE TIMING CHAIN
Timing chain drive Chevrolet Cobalt is part of the gas distribution mechanism and is involved in the transmission of torque from crankshaft to the distribution one. The chain can connect them directly or participate in the work indirectly, for example, combining camshafts with each other, if there are two of them, while its functional purpose remains unchanged.
Monitoring the condition of the timing chain, replacing dampers and tensioners is part of the planned Maintenance car and plays important role in engine operation vehicle. It is necessary to regularly monitor the condition of the gas distribution system, as this directly affects the vehicle’s power, sensitivity when supplying gas and fuel consumption.
FEATURES OF CHAIN REPLACEMENT
In most engines of older car models, chains with roller links were used to transmit torque, often the components were in two or three rows, this made the timing chain a very reliable, almost eternal mechanism that does not require constant maintenance. Often the car traveled up to 300,000 km. and the chain of the mechanism received only lateral play, and the worst thing that could happen to the gas distribution mechanism was the links jumping; breaks were extremely rare. Over time, production price, efficiency, environmental friendliness and the weight of the car engine, which affects its power, have become trends in the creation of cars. Under these conditions, manufacturers began to strive to replace the timing chain with a lighter, cheaper and easier to maintain timing belt. And those motors whose design retained chains and roller components were replaced with lightweight plate links, more reliable than timing belts, but still not as strong as roller chains.
The Chevrolet Cobalt timing chain has a number of features that fundamentally distinguish it from the timing belt.
1. The chain is a durable mechanism; it wears out much longer than the timing belt; breaks do occur, but much less frequently than in belt-driven engines.
2. A break in the timing chain occurs quite rarely, which means engine breakdown, which requires expensive overhaul, does not occur often.
3. Timing chains are quite noisy, but with the modern level of car noise insulation, this parameter becomes not very important.
4. When the chain wears out, its play and lateral runout occur, this indicates the need to replace the old chain with a new one. Since the metal part sagging and lateral runout is accompanied loud noise, which is simply impossible not to notice and not to attach significance to. A noise under the hood will be the first “bell” indicating the need for car maintenance.
5. The main disadvantage of replacing the chain Chevrolet timing belt Cobalt is that it is located inside the cylinder block and it is quite difficult to assess its condition without training and experience. In addition, dismantling and replacement, with such a device, is a long and labor-intensive process, and therefore expensive.
6. Tensioners and dampers are involved in the operation of the timing chain - these are consumable parts that wear out quickly and require more frequent replacements than the timing chain itself.
TYPES OF FAULTS
1. Timing chains, when in full working order, have a natural movement, which is compensated by tensioners when oil pressure is applied. A malfunction is considered to be a strong lateral runout of the timing chain, which appears when the links are stretched. The actual degree of chain stretch can only be determined through a qualified inspection of the gas distribution mechanism.
2. Backlash is the direct stretching of the chain, which is observed when long-term operation, can lead to jumping of chain links and malfunction of the gas distribution mechanism, this leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the engine when the gas pedal is pressed and an increase in fuel consumption.
3. Broken timing chain of Chevrolet Cobalt is the most dangerous damage to the engine; in the case of a chain drive motor, it does not occur often, but it does occur. If such a malfunction occurs camshaft ceases to be connected to the crankshaft and can stop completely arbitrarily in a position in which any of the valves of the gas distribution mechanism is open. In this case, the piston, moving upward, may collide with the valve, which will lead to its deformation and the car engine will face serious repairs. It should be noted that a timing chain break does not occur unexpectedly; it is almost always accompanied by changes in the operation of the vehicle, a decrease in its power, a change in gasoline consumption and the appearance of extraneous noise.
To prevent and prevent the operation of the gas distribution mechanism, it is necessary to periodically troubleshoot the timing chain, this will save the car engine from breakdown and prevent premature wear engine and will increase its service life.
CAUSES OF WEAR
1. Operation of the Chevrolet Cobalt car in extreme conditions. Frequent driving on unpaved roads, towing trailers, heavy loads, traveling on higher speeds leads to an increase in load on crankshaft, spinning it up maximum speed, which leads to stretching of the timing chain.
2. Since the timing chain is located inside the cylinder block, it is completely washed motor oil and as a result is very sensitive to its quality. In the case of using high-quality synthetic oil containing specialized detergent additives, the service life of the timing chain is significantly increased
3. The operation of the timing chain involves parts that regulate the tension of the chain; they are consumables and require periodic replacement. During vehicle maintenance, it is necessary to check the degree of wear of the tensioner and damper, untimely replacement These parts may cause the chain to stretch and links to jump.
SIGNS OF PROBLEM
1. Increase in gasoline consumption by car;
2. Reduced engine power; 3. The appearance of clanging and noise under the hood of the car when the engine is running;
4. A complete stop of the car while moving; when you try to start, the engine does not start, and the starter rotates more easily than usual;
5. Unstable operation Chevrolet engine Cobalt on Idling and in motion;
6. The occurrence of shots in the injector receiver and exhaust pipe.
All these problems may indicate a shift in the valve timing and loosening of the chain tension. If you notice one or more signs of this list on your car, immediately contact a service station for an inspection.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN?
Replacement frequency of any Supplies For Chevrolet cars Cobalt depends on the driving style and operating mode of the car. With an extreme driving style and aggressive use of the vehicle, it is necessary to replace the timing chain as it becomes loose and wears out.
Under normal operating conditions, it is necessary to replace the timing chain as planned, every 100 - 150,000 km. mileage If your car is equipped with an analog belt, replacement must be done a little ahead of schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Trust your car only professional specialists capable of competently troubleshooting the timing chain, assessing lateral runout and backlash, replacing and adjusting the operation of tensioners, chain drive "precipitators" and replacing the Chevrolet Cobalt timing chain.
