🔧 Traverse - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Traverse’s 3.6L V6 does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain (a metal chain inside the engine), so there isn’t a “timing belt” to replace like on some other engines.

Before I lay out steps, I need to confirm what you’re actually trying to replace so I don’t send you down the wrong path.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: Timing chain: 10-16 hours (shop-level)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before working near coolant or exhaust parts.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before any engine-front disassembly.
• ⚠️ Do not rotate the crank/cams with the chain removed; valve damage can occur.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on a level surface if lifting.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• OBD2 scan tool
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Socket set (metric)
• Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Harmonic balancer puller kit (specialty)
• Engine support bar (specialty)
• Camshaft holding/locking tool set (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan (at least 10 liters)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Plastic scraper
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain kit (chains, guides, tensioners) - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Front timing cover gasket/sealant (as specified) - Qty: 1
• Valve cover gaskets (if removed) - Qty: 2
• Engine oil (dexos) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Coolant (Dex-Cool) - Qty: 2-3 gallons
• Accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Open the hood and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Plan for downtime: the timing chain job requires major engine-front disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm what you want to replace

• Answer these two questions so I give you the correct procedure:
• Are you trying to fix a check engine light / rattle (timing chain concern), or are you trying to replace a worn rubber belt on the outside of the engine (serpentine belt)?
• Do you have any codes from a scan using an OBD2 scan tool (example: P0008, P0009, P0016)?

Step 2: If you meant “serpentine belt” (common mix-up), I can guide you next

• If you reply “serpentine belt,” I’ll send the full, accurate step-by-step with the correct routing and tensioner release method.
• Timing chain work is much bigger.

Step 3: If you meant “timing chain,” I can walk you through—shop-level scope

• This job typically includes draining coolant with a drain pan, removing the accessory drive system with a serpentine belt tool (specialty), removing the harmonic balancer with a harmonic balancer puller kit (specialty), and removing the timing cover.
• It also requires correct cam/crank timing control using a camshaft holding/locking tool set (specialty) to prevent internal engine damage.
• I will provide torque specs and exact alignment steps after you confirm you meant the chain and share any symptoms/codes.

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✅ After Repair

• Clear any stored codes using an OBD2 scan tool and confirm they do not return.
• Check oil and coolant levels after the first warm-up and cool-down cycle.
• Inspect for leaks around the front cover area and listen for abnormal rattles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,500-$4,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $1,600-$4,150 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 10-16 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.