2016 Equinox Repair Estimate w/ multiple issues

[TexSolo]

Hi all, I got a repair estimate from a chevy dealer and my head melted. I had some noise while driiving/accelerating so took it in. Got quoted about $2700 for timing chain issues, and another $1500 for various upkeep things. A quick google search says timing chain replacment is about $1000. Am I crazy or getting taken advantaged of? I was considering a new car before this, but the repairs would be about what a recent Carvana trade-in/sell price would be. The car has about 140K miles. I still need to drive it for various needs, but nervous about the sounds, as it definitely is noisy. I had the noise a few months ago and read about going to get a oil change, which I did and the noise disappeared but came back recently a few months later. Would love any thoughts on this. TIA

EDIT: I'll also add I haven't had any error codes or check engine lights come on. It's a 2016 L or LT with a 4 cyl engine. It also is starting to lurch a little bit when I'm coming to a stop, but as yet has not died.

 

[ricklack]

I would take it to an independent mechanic and get another estimate. You don't have to take it to the dealer.

 

[PoManNox]

A timing chain job on one of these at a good independent shop will easily be $1500-2K. Most of it being labor. ~8hrs at $100-200/hr.

I know everyone has their reasons and justifications, but the problem is continuing to drive it for months after you hear engine noise. If the noise is from worn timing components, you are going to have metal bits circulated throughout the engine. You'll never get it all out. That being the case, I wouldn't put ~$4500 into just these repairs. You could put that into it and then have a major transmission or AWD problem, ABS, electrical, etc.. etc.

IMO, the Equionx gets a bad name because they don't necessarily get the proper maintenance done on them and people just tend to drive the snot out of them as-is until they're REALLY shot.

 

[sdhow]

Google is full of crap. For good components, you'll pay at least $1,000 for parts alone, $1,500 for OE. This is an "engine out" procedure, so I'd make sure things like the water pump, belt and belt tensioner, idler pulley...etc, are changed at the same time. That being said, $2,700 is about right IF they are doing all I mentioned. Make sure they're replacing all components related to the timing chain; the phasers, tensioners and guides, etc.

Then, start changing your oil every 4-5k miles with a superior grade of synthetic. Decide what out of the $1,500 is actually necessary right now and what can be done over the next year. If part of the $1,500 is intake valve decarbonization, DO IT. And do this annually from here on.

$3k seems like a lot, but it's only about 6 months of car payments. Doing the timing chain now will buy you at least another 125,000 miles of service.

NOTE: My information is based on a 3.0 V6, not a 2.4 4 cylinder.

 

[Travis Bickle]

What exactly does the noise you're hearing sound like?

Dealers always charge more, look elsewhere.

 

[theskyisoutthere]

My kit was about 350 online was a cloytes kit that includes the water pump but not the cover gasket the cover gasket was another 28 bucks did the timing at a friend's house on the ground, no lift needed, just Jack and stand for the passenger wheel removal to get access.

I will say it didn't take 8 hours to do at all it was about 5 counting breaks and stopping for other interruptions I would say a solid number was under 4. That was with a good running engine that needed a chain replaced but still ran. That included chain, sprockets Guides, tensioners, balance shaft chain and sprockets and all. Also VVT sprockets, VVT solenoid and water pump as well.