Timing chain replacement

I have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. It is making a knocking sound and my mechanic told me that the timing chain is about to break and it will cost $500.00 to fix. Does this sound correct and is this something I could do myself?

Thanks a lot

Check for earlier posts on the site as there have been many questions concerning timing chain replacement. What size engine do you have. If you have a 4 cyl. it is fairly easy to replace and yes you can do it yourself. If you purchase a Chiltons or Haynes manual they have detailed descriptions that will guide you through the process. Don't wait too long to replace it but if there is a knocking sound it may just be the chain tensioner that is bad and needs replaced. Check Autozone or other aftermarket parts stores as you can buy the parts, repair manual and do the work for a lot less than $500.

Thank you very much GTP Dad it is the 2.2 4 cyl

2.2 is fairly easy, 2.4 and 2.3 are killer, you have to darn near remove the engine to do the chain as far as I can tell. May be doing one here in a few weeks, not sure if my tensioner is going or not.

I was looking under the hood of a 97 sunfire today. I dont know too much about them, but i swear i saw a timeing "belt" on the left when looking at the car head on. It was a 2.2 auto as well. Do they go both ways?? What i thought was a belt was on the left of the engine under a black cover. Is there a chain in there?? I thought chains usually were deep in the motor in an oil bath. The only time ive seen otherwise was on an oldsmobile acheiva.....GOD I HATE QUAD 4.....grumble...piece of.......rrr.

Is the ticking I am hearing the timing chain?
it only ticks after it is warm and when it is idleing low also it almost dies when I come to a stop after I have been driving. Does this mean I need to advance my idle?