2003 Chevy Malibu Car noise timing belt or not?

[michelle p]

Alright i have looked through the entire manual and there is nothing telling me is my car has a timing belt or timing chain. I only care because chains don't have to be replaced and belts do. My car has had a constant squeaking sound coming from what seems to be a belt on the left hand side of the car. I have looked up things online but i can't find out of the Chevy 2003 Malibu has a belt or chain.

My questions are:
Do i have a timing belt or chain?
Is there any other cause for squeaking other than the timing belt? as soon as i turn it on it starts and gets worse every time i accelerate
How long can a car go without this being replaced? I know i need to replace it before it breaks (because then it will cost a lot more)but i don't have the money now. do you think i should take the bus instead of risk it?
And finally how much does it cost?

Thank you!!! and Happy Holidays!

 

[HMUSN]

It has a timing chain and they can indeed stretch out.
First replace the belt and inspect each individual pulley the belt is rotating on. I can not give you an estimate on how long without looking at the car; sorry. I would replace the belt in short order. If it breaks you chance overheating your motor because your water pump is on the belt line.

good luck!

( the belts are VERY cheap and it is a very simple job to do)
Email me if you decide to take on the project yourself and I will walk you through it.

 

[mdcbert]

this is neither. V-6 Chevy`s Are pushrod operated and have a short Chain way down inside the engine that will probably never need replacing. A 2003 car will certainly not need to be replaced!!

Your Fan belt (actually called a serpentine belt) is on the outside and is fairly easily replaced. they cost about $30, dont break (they just get worn looking) and last a really long time.

if its a quiet squeaking, drive the car. if it squawks LOUDLY all the time dont drive it. Something has frozen.

But belts dont squeak, the things that belts turn make the squeaking noise. there is one pulley that keeps the belt tight called a tensioner that could be squeaking or the Alternator bearings could be squeaking.

Keep your defroster off (only use heat and Vent) as much as possible, as MAX/NORM and DEF all use the A/C compressor. Use DEF only when you need to clear the windshield.

get a can of WD-40 and spritz your bearings to see what quits making the noise first.

 

[Carman Nguyen]

The car has a timing chain,and the engine is on the right,passenger side.Serpentine belt squeals when it is not align or contaminate with water or fluid.Look at the belt if no sign of crack or shredded,will tell how long it last.$30 for the belt.

 

[Brad]

You do have a timing belt. I doubt that is where the squeal is coming from. It is inside a cover on the moter and it can slip. If it did,your engine wouldn't run cause the timing would be off. The squeal is most likley coming from your accessory drive belt. That is the belt you can see turning. You can try spraying the side that runs in the pulleys with belt dressing.(Pep Boys,Checker,.etc) If you have high hold hairspray.That will work as well. At least for a while.