I just replaced the timing chain in our 2010 HHR Woody, 2.2 liter.One of the tensioners was broke. Now the engine is chattering on the passenger side.It runs rough at times on idle.It was a light chatter that would quiet after it ran for 30 seconds or so.Now it sounds like a thrashing machine.Everything I read points to the camshaft reluctor ring or what ever it is called.Have seen cam angle ring, tone ring and others.But looking at parts lists is it replaceable ?There are none listed anyplace I look.I saw one in a diagram of a 2.2 eco on the AutoZone site.Thanks.

 

Well, the passenger side is where the timing chain resides. Did you do the work yourself? Did you release the tensioner? Did the whole timing set get replaced, including guides and bolts? How many miles? Did the balance shaft chain and all hardware get replaced?

 

Welcome
You replaced the timing chain but what about the balance shaft chain ?
Since you used the word "thrashing", that's why I'm asking about the balancer chain.

And. What was the reason for replacing the timing chain ?

 

I hit a deer and trashed the passenger side fender, inner fender & hood. So when they took it to the body shop I had them replace the timing chain.I bought the complete kit.The kit they sent had the wrong gears,they were not the VVT gears. Everything else was changed.They "SHOULD" have replaced the works.I know water pump and the hardware were replaced.There are 163,000 on the car.I had bought the timing chain set because of the high miles.In the meantime I hit the deer. As soon as the kit arrived I took it to them to install so as to not lose anymore time.The sound is really loud and I am not running it.I have no garage to work in so with the rain and snow I don't get much chance to tinker with it.

 

I only changed the timing chain due to the high miles.I figured with 163,000 and not knowing if it was ever changed before I better get it done. I ordered it online.Then hit a deer.That was to the tune of $3,688.11.So against my better judgement I let them do it.The balance shaft chain was changed also.New hardware, tensioners etc were done.There was a tensioner broke in 3 pieces.

 

If someone else did the work, then you should take it back to them.

Not really sure why you came here for help when it's their responsibility. Let them deal with it since you paid them.

 

I came here #1 Because I supplied the parts, no guarantee. #2 From the symptoms it sounds like the camshaft reluctor ring.#3 If they sell one I sure can't find it. I wanted to see if anyone knew anything about it. I have done over 8 solid hours of research on the net.Almost every site I looked at said the cam angle ring, cam reluctor ring,cam position ring and it was called a few other names.All the symptoms seem point to the correlation between cam and crank timing.The sound is coming from the top of the engine passenger side.If the weather breaks I would remove the cover and check.In the meantime if I am going to take it apart I wanted to know if there was anything with a cam reluctor, tone ring, cam shaft position ring or whatever the correct name is that can be done.

 

The cam sensors, and therefore the reluctor rings, are on the driver side of the engine. The problem is more likely that the tensioner was not released. You are smart to not operate it at this time. If this is the problem, without proper tension, you could skip timing teeth, and potentially bend valves, and damage pistons. These EcoTecs are interference engines.

A body shop, for engine work?

 

They also do mechanical work. They have a body shop and a garage.They have been around for years and as a rule do good work.With my wife and I nothing ever goes right.I would have done it myself.But almost 4 years ago I was rushed to the emergency room.Long story short they told my wife I was going to die.I have done my own work my whole life.Well the hospital changed my life.I lived.Spent 10 days in ICU and 4 days in a regular room.Then had to go to physical therapy as an in patient for 14 days.I had 7' of small intestine removed, stopped breathing,had a collapsed lung, no,not low,no blood pressure, got 2 units of blood and had septic shock.One year later I got an infection in my big toe on my right foot.So that was amputated.I planned on doing it,then the deer changed my mind.Because I had ordered the timing kit before I hit the deer I had it.So figured I'd have them do it.Since I was sick I might be able to work on it for 15 minutes,then rest for twice that.If I'm lucky I might make a half an hour,then take a break.Standing wears me out fast.So I figured with the tight work space I'd be better off letting them do it.Never did a front wheel drive 4 banger. Last engine I rebuilt was a 351 C in a 1973 Merc Montego !!We have a 07 TrailBlazer.But it has 262,000 on it.Blew a muffler and tailpipe 3 days ago.Power steering went 6 months ago.My wife said my arms are getting like Popeye's. She can't drive it so I take her to work and pick her up.So need to get HHR done ASAP.Thank you for your help.

 

I believe the issue is with the balance shaft chain, and the VVT sprockets.
The cam rings are not a usual suspect, and there would be a code for that.
I recommend you call that shop and explain the problem, you can’t drive it there, if they’re a reputable shop they should fix their mistake


Just an after thought, check the upper motor mount, if it’s loose or just plain shot , it’ll make a lot of noise.