Check Timing Belt

[phipps]

Is there an "easy" way to get a look at the timing belt? We just bought an 07 Aveo with 60,000 miles and I'd like to take a look at the belt.

[danielsatur]

I would check the maintenance schedule 1st.
Is this an interference type engine?
I would assume it's the original belt, thus only having 60K miles.

[gmtech1]

GM recomends inspecting the timing belt every 30k, you'll need to pull the top of the timing cover to do so.

[phipps]

Can the top cover be removed fairly easily? I looked at the directions in a Chiltons and it said you had to remove tire, splash guard and so on. Is there an easier way?

[gmtech1]

You may not have to go through all of that since you are just removing the upper half. You'll just have to look and see if you can get to the upper bolts. I don't have one here to look at to say for sure.

[mrmikey]

If you can do the work yourself (if you're the least bit mechanically inclined) and have a normal set of tools I'd say change it, it's cheap insurance. It is an interference engine so a broken belt will cost a lot more bucks than the <$150 for a belt change. Not only that, it's hard to tell if the belts worn out, other than a missing tooth or some such obvious damage.

I just did my kids on her Pontiac Wave and it's not hard. Not only that but you can change the idler, tensioner and antifreeze while you're at it, waterpump too if you're so inclined ....Mike

[phipps]

Thanks Mike. I found detailed instructions and it definitely looks doable for me. My biggest issue is lack of a good workplace.

[mrmikey]

You're welcome.
One thing I forgot to mention if you do decide to do it yourself, get the correct waterpump wrench. You can do it with a set of waterpump pliers but the proper wrench is a lot easier. I think it's a 42mm but don't quote me on it find out for sure.
Last tip, once you line up all the timing marks and before you remove the old belt, get a paint marker or something similar and mark each sprocket and a correcponding tooth on the belt and ransfer the marks to the new belt.
That way it'll be easier to align all the marks when the cam sprockets move a bit, trust me....they will :-)......Mike