| View Full Version : 97 Catera Timing Belt Replacement ikarukeion 05-02-05, 01:05 AM Would it be a good idea to replace the water pump when the timing belt is replaced? And Would it be a good idea to put engine oil and transmisssion oil coolers on the car? Thanks Vesicant 05-02-05, 01:48 AM Would it be a good idea to replace the water pump when the timing belt is replaced? And Would it be a good idea to put engine oil and transmisssion oil coolers on the car? Thanks Dont have to change the water pump UNLESS it does not have the newer redesigned-designed pump (recall work done can be checked at a Cadillac dealer). This relates to problems with the bearing seizing and it along with the tensioners destroying the belt and the engines timing. What you should replace reguardless though is the idler and tensioner pulleys. Thats part of a normal timing belt change. The Catera already has an oil cooler, the transmission I dont think has a cooler for that model year (it did for 00-01). It is a good idea, but isnt always necessary. Transmission or engine oil coolers can aid in giving longer life to components. Thats a given- due to lower temperatures. My opinion, though, is that one should install a cooler if one is constantly in extreme hot climates, or stop and go traffic or even towing. There are a lot of good aftermarket options out there for you, and should you decide to add an external oil cooler or transmission cooler than go right ahead. ikarukeion 05-03-05, 10:21 AM Thank you for your time Jeff ajohnson57 09-02-05, 10:27 PM Jeffery- My 97 Catera blew a belt. Our local Chevy dealer is somewhat leery of doing a repair. He doesn't have the timing belt alignment kit. He is asking me to purchase this kit at some $375.00 (I'd own it) He indicated that the manual he has warns that replacement of the belt without this kit is not something they want to do. My son is a heavy duty mechanic and can handle any auto/truck repair. He has replaced many timing belts on Chev/ Dodge/Ect.ect. Is the dealer over hyping on this? Is there a source for this kit that maybe used or rent? Not really wanting to own a kit as I have only one of two Catera here in our town. Thanks, A.M.Johnson- Ketchikan, Alaska | |