I have a 2008 HHR SS with about 40'000 miles on it, Recently I replaced the serpentine belt, which I thought was a little odd with only 40K miles on it. After about a week of driving the car, I was now hearing the belt squeal like it was loose. Upon inspection of the belt I took a look at the tensioner and realized that the housing is cracked. I am rather surprised and have no clue what caused this, however I find it very odd. I am going to take it to the dealer even though it appears to be a rather simple replacement, but I feel this should be covered under the 100K warranty so I figure let them fix it. Does this seem odd to anyone and do you know if it would be covered. Or should I just replace it?
Thanks for your input.

 

to the forum Lenny!

Here's a link to the parts covered on the powertrain warranty for 2007-2010, the drive belt tensioner is indicated as not being covered.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/problems-service-repairs-42/07-09-10-11-powertrain-parts-coverage-list-22231/

You may still want to talk to your dealer about it as they might be willing to replace it as a "customer goodwill" gesture.

 

i'd let the dealer replace it if it's covered. it can be done with basic hand tools, but it's not easy to get to. mine broke a while back with similar symptoms. oh, and welcome to the forum

here's what mine looked like

 

Thanks Guys ,, I think I will call them and see what they say, I've already changed the belt so if its not covered I think I will Replace it myself- lunchbox, did you do your own? I'm curious if the wheel well has to come off, I know I can get to the bolt through the hole in the wheel well but not sure if you still have room to get the tensioner out and new one back in

 

Welcome from a bit north of you!

 

yeah, i did my own. if you've changed the belt then you know how little room you have to work with, the air box and flex hose may be removed to allow for more access. all you gotta do is remove the bolt through the hole in the wheel well, then lift out the tensioner. just be careful not to drop the bolt into the frame rail, it's almost impossible to get back. i taped the bolt to the socket so i wouldn't drop it again. you'll want an extra set of hands to help out too

 

Welcome...

 

Thanks for the advice- Put it on today- the hardest part for me since I had to do it alone was getting the breaker bar on it ( had to file it down to get it to even fit) Turned out good. I am hoping this was a fluke thing, I love the car and plan on having it for quite a while but don't like things breaking after 40K miles.

 

Probably just a fluke thing Lenny, you don't hear about it often so I'd just chalk it up to "one of those things". From the looks of the new part they sold lunchbox, it appears to have been redesigned, was your new part different from what came off?

 

Hey 843de- Yeah it looked like lunchbox's, I thought the same thing- a fluke - I really enjoy the car though- made very sharp. This site has been great thanks again fellas.