Engine Squeak/Chirp Noise from Bank 2 (Front Bank) Camshaft Sprockets/Behind Timing Belt Cover with Engine Speeds of 600-3500 RPM (Replace Bank 2 [Front Bank] Timing Belt Sprockets)

Some customers may comment on a squeak, chirp, or cricket type noise from the engine. This noise is most noticeable around the timing belt cover at engine speeds of 600-3500 RPM.

This condition may be caused by either of the bank 2 (front bank) timing belt camshaft sprockets being cracked near the base of the tooth area of the camshaft sprocket. Refer to the illustration below.

To correct this condition, replace both bank 2 (front bank) timing belt camshaft sprockets. Refer to service procedure in this bulletin.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to "Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect" procedure in the Engine Electrical section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1219338).
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to "Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement" procedure in the Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1074850).
3. Remove the front timing belt cover. Refer to "Front Timing Belt Cover Replacement" procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1053404).
4. Remove the timing belt. Refer to "Timing Belt Replacement" procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1215992).
5. Remove the camshaft drive sprockets. Refer to "Camshaft Drive Sprocket Replacement" procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1053149).

Important: When installing the #3 camshaft drive sprocket, make sure that the #3 alignment slot on the camshaft sprocket is installed onto the #3 camshaft alignment pin. When installing the #4 camshaft drive sprocket, make sure that the #4 alignment slot on the camshaft sprocket is installed on to the #4 camshaft alignment pin. Failure to do so may result in the engine being timed incorrectly.

6. Install new camshaft drive sprockets, P/N 90573286, using new camshaft sprocket bolts, P/N 90573287. Refer to "Camshaft Drive Sprocket Replacement" procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1053149).
7. Install the timing belt. Refer to "Timing Belt Replacement" procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1215992). Be sure to perform both inspection and installation procedures in the "Timing Belt Replacement" procedure.
8. Install the front timing belt cover. Refer to "Front Timing Belt Cover Replacement" installation procedure in the Engine Mechanical - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1053404).
9. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to "Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement" installation procedure in the Engine Controls - 3.0L (L81) section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1074850).
10. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to "Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect" procedure in the Engine Electrical section of the 2005 Saturn L-Series Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID #1219338).
11. Verify that noise condition has been eliminated.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for J0837 - Left (Front) Bank Intake or J0838 - Left (Front) Bank Exhaust. An Add time of 0.1 hr to Replace Additional Sprocket is provided. (NOTE: Only claim one of the Labor Operations, with the additional Add Time for any repairs.)