Cav 98 2.2 L Timing Belt

Hi,

I’m planning on a long trip more than 5000 miles with my cavalier 98, 78000 miles. I have checked the car, but one of my friends told me to replace the timing belt before starting my trip.

I wondered if it is a must to be replaced, since I don’t have any problem till now.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=309192

that will tell you everything... if it breaks on you... you will lose your power steering, water pump, ... all hell will break loose.. yes if it has never been done.. change it!

umm serpentine belt and timing belt are 2 different things.

Timing belt (actually I think cavys have timing chains) control the cams from the camshaft. If it's off and you try to start your motor it will fuck your timing up, and possibly never gets the timing right on your motor.

Serpentine belt, it usually the drive belt, controlls all options (as ClassicirocJunkie said), If this snaps its just a replacement, That is if it doens't take out hoses and stuff.

2.2 has a timing chain with steel gears. They last a very long time in these cars. Service life is rated at 100,000 but I have changed them at 200,000 and the tensioner was still in a good position and the gears looked fine. I believe the new eco-tec motor has a timing belt but have not had to service any of those yet.