Hi all.. Was wondering if anyone could help me out here.. My 2009 ss turbo has recently been getting noisy on start up and while driving. Sounds like chattering. I'm sure it's coming from the timing chain area. I know the tensioners go bad on the Supercharged years thanks to this site but I did not find anything about turbo models.

So my question is do 08-10 timing chain tensioners go bad often? And has anyone else had a "rattle" or "chatter" when first starting their turbo SS or while driving?


Thanks,
Ron

 

The turbo model also got revised as wellso you know. I think the last revision was in 2010 but I'm not 100% on that, So if you haven't installed the updated timing tensioner then do so to stop the noise and avoid catastrophic failure.

On the same note when i did my timing chain with John Powell, He told me he has even changed and seen the new tensioner fail. Just so you know.

 

Thank you.. I will order one. Is it a plug and play installation?

 

Ordered tensioner.. Dealer will not install just the tensioner. Bummer looks like I will do it myself.

Anyone have any experience replacing one on turbo cobalts?

 

The best thing to do is to put the motor at top dead center. Use the timing chain actuator holding tool on the cam gear actuators. then you can use an inch and a quarter socket to remove the timing chain tensioner. after it's removed install the new tensioner and use as a long screwdriver or a pry bar to release the tensioner per GM service manual.

 

So I should take the valve cover off to replace it?

 

Bump was going to try to put my new tensioner in today

 

Yeah you need to or you wont be doing this job and get the cam holding tool. If you dont you will lose timing dude. Re read my.post carefully and i clearly state you need the tool. It will hold the timing while you do this job and that 100% requires you to remove the valve cover. That is basic knowledge. I think if you have never done this i would get supervision by someone that has before you lose timing and make a bigger job.

 

Thank you for your help.. I was a bit confused because I read other places that you simply take the old one out and replace

 

Sorry it took a bit I am very busy right now.

Omiotek is telling you the right procedure.

To be honest tho I personally did what you said and just removed the old one and installed the new one...

I have done it twice on two different vehicles but maybe I was lucky, I don't want you to destroy your engine and I know you don't either.

Maybe call around and ask a different Gm in your area, Sounds like they just want your money.

 

Sorry it took a bit I am very busy right now.

Omiotek is telling you the right procedure.

To be honest tho I personally did what you said and just removed the old one and installed the new one...

 

you can take it out and replace it but it doesnt always work.

you should 100% ALWAYS hold the timing to ensure it does not jump teeth.

 

The revised one is hydraulic and doesn't require the tap that the spring loaded ones do. Powell told me to just pull the old and slap in the new one. Never got around to it.

 

you need the tap unless you unset the tensioner from the factory. usually they come in a locked position and you just tap it to unlock it.

 

Interesting TIL. I didn't know the hydraulic ones had a locked or unlocked position. The service book illustration for 09 shows the flat top spring type, not sure if that was intentional.

 

Some will come unlocked. Ive had them come both ways

 

Was that on a LNF

 

It doesnt matter. Hes one lucky guy that he didnt loose timing. Get the tool or have a dealership or someone with the tool do it for you. Do not try to do it without holding thd cams

I dont see why your trying to do it the aay that has a good probability of going wrong. Im a sae master tech and chassis fabricator for a restomod shop. I use to work on ecotecs and build them for a living im not going to feed you a bunch of bs to make you spend money

 

^^^This

 

I'm thinking about replacing my tensioner as P.M.

Is there a tool specific to the LNF or will any cam gear locking tool do the job on these engines?

Thanks for any advise.

 

SM doesn't actually state a need for the holding tool http://www.crateenginedepot.com/pdfs/12608580INS.pdf That's the same doc I have for 09 as well.

 

I guess if nothing else I'll just keep downward force on the chain in between the cam gears to keep the chain snug while I R&R the tensioner. The only place I could imagine anything having any tension that could jump the chain is the cams.

 

Thats where it will move is the cams. You need a lock tool for vvt head not the non vbt heads. Its hard to get a pry bar in the cobalt with enough leverage to hold the chain since it needs to be held on the tensioner side of the motor

 

Bump I added a video of the noise

 

That's loud and since it isn't just during start up, Are you positive it is coming from the chain area?

Grab a long handle screw driver with a solid handle and put it to the motor and against your ear (be careful) and listen to see if you can kinda pin point the area.