How to Replace a 1999 Cavalier Timing Chain

A failing timing chain can cause a variety of engine problems and can end up damaging vital engine components, if not addressed. Replacing the timing chain in a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier can be completed by most backyard mechanics. An assistant is useful when removing and installing the camshaft and crankshaft components, as the components need to be held in place.

• 1

  Remove the engine drivebelt and tensioner. Place a wrench on the tensioner, and rotate it, releasing the tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the engine. Remove the tensioner mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the tensioner.

• 2

  Remove the power steering pump mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench, and set the power steering pump aside, without disconnecting the hoses.

• 3

  Remove the alternator. Remove the alternator pulley mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the pulley from the alternator. Remove the alternator mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the alternator from the engine. On some models, it is necessary to remove the alternator bracket bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the bracket.

• 4

  Remove the front engine mount. Use an engine hoist to support the engine from above, and remove the front engine mount mounting bolts with a wrench. Two bolts are located on the frame, while two are located on the engine block.

• 5

  Remove the water pump pulley mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the water pump pulley.

• 6

  Remove the mounting bolts that are holding the engine accessory bracket in place, and remove any electrical wires running through the bracket, and remove the bracket.

• 7

  Raise the front of the vehicle with an automotive jack, and support it with jack stands.

• 8

  Remove the oil pan. Remove any splash shields or exhaust shields that cover up the oil pan. Pulling the shields away from the vehicle will dislodge any retaining clips. On models with air conditioning, remove the air conditioning bracket bolts with a ratchet wrench, and move the bracket out of the way. Disconnect the electrical connections to the starter; remove the starter bracket mounting bolts, and remove the starter and bracket. Remove the engine mount strut bracket bolts, and move the bracket enough so the oil pan will clear it. Place a large drain container under the oil pan drain fitting, and loosen the fitting with a ratchet wrench, until oil drains into the container. Tighten the fitting when the oil is finished draining. Loosen the oil pan bolts/nuts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the oil pan and gasket.

• 9

  Remove the crankshaft pulley and hub. Remove the front right wheel lug nuts, and remove the wheel. Remove the sheet metal screws with a screwdriver from the splash shield, and remove the splash shield from the fenderwell to remove it to gain access to the engine block. Remove the flywheel/driveplate inspection cover retaining bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the cover. Remove the center pulley hub bolt with a wrench. Loosen the other pulley hub bolts with a ratchet wrench, and remove the pulley. Use a crankshaft hub puller to remove the crankshaft hub and pulley, if necessary.

• 10

  Remove the timing chain. Remove the fasteners on the timing chain cover with a wrench or ratchet wrench depending on location. Pull the timing chain cover and gasket from the engine and remove it. Temporarily install the crankshaft hub nut, and rotate both sprockets, until the timing marks align with the mark on the timing chain tensioner housing. Push the spring back on the timing chain tensioner, and place a small drill bit into the hole to hold it in position. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolt with a wrench, without turning the camshaft. Pry out the camshaft sprocket off of the camshaft dowel pin with a screwdriver, and remove it and the timing chain.

• 11

  Install the new timing chain. Install the chain already meshed with the camshaft sprocket, and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt with a torque wrench to 96 foot-pounds, without turning the camshaft sprocket. Coat the sprockets and chain with engine oil. Remove the drill bit in the timing chain tensioner, and push the timing chain against the timing chain tensioner to release the spring. Clean the making surfaces of the engine block and timing chain cover with a gasket scraper. Install the gasket and timing chain cover, tightening the timing chain cover fasteners with a ratchet wrench to 97 inch-pounds.

• 12

  Install the crankshaft pulley and hub. Put the hub and pulley in place, and install the center pulley bolt with a torque wrench, tightening the center bolt to 77 foot-pounds and the other pulley bolts to 37 foot-pounds. Put the flywheel/driveplate inspection cover in place and install the retaining bolts with a ratchet wrench. Place the splash shield under the fenderwell and replace the sheet metal screws with a screwdriver. Put the wheel back over the wheel studs and install the lug nuts with a torque wrench, tightening them to 100 ft-lbs.

• 13

  Install the oil pan. Clean the mating surfaces of the engine block and oil pan with a gasket scraper. Apply a thin coat of RTV sealant to the oil pan flanges and to the rear ends of the oil pan. Install the gasket and oil pan, finger tightening the bolts/nuts to hold the oil pan in place. Tighten the oil pan bolts/nuts with a torque wrench, tightening them to 89 inch-pounds, working from the center outward. Put the engine mount strut bracket into position, and install the mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench. Place the starter and starter bracket into position; install the mounting bolts, and attach the electrical connection to the starter. Install the air conditioning bracket bolts and bracket, if previously removed with a ratchet wrench. Push the splash shields and exhaust shields into place to engage the retaining clips, if previously removed. Fill the engine with oil; the dipstick must be at the appropriate level.

• 14

  Support the vehicle with the automotive jack. Remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle.

• 15

  Put the engine accessory bracket in place, and install the mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench. Replace any wires previously removed from the bracket.

• 16

  Place the water pump pulley onto the water pump, and install the water pump pulley bolts with a ratchet wrench.

• 17

  Install the front engine mount and mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench. Remove the engine hoist.

• 18

  Install the alternator. Replace the alternator bracket and bracket bolts with a ratchet wrench if previously removed. Put the alternator against the engine block, and install the mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench. Place the alternator pulley onto the alternator, and install the pulley mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench.

• 19

  Place the power steering pump into position, and install the power steering pump mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench.

• 20

  Place the drivebelt tensioner against the engine block, and replace the mounting bolts with a ratchet wrench. Route the drivebelt, according to the diagram located on the radiator support. Place a wrench on the tensioner, and rotate it to create enough room to slip the belt over the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner in the opposite direction to release the slack.