My mom’s 2017 GMC Terrain with the 2.4 has been making a sound from the engine bay for a few months. It was intermittent at first then became constant so they took it to a local shop and they diagnosed it as a bad water pump. Replacing these water pumps on the 2.4 can be problematic as they are chan driven. If the wrong procedure or improper tools are used the tensioner can ratchet out and make the chain too tight resulting in a whining noise. I was afraid this was going to happen, and much to my disappointment my brother sent me a video tonight of the engine making concerning sounds following the pump replacement. Unfortunately my parents aren’t wanting to say anything to the shop so I’m getting involved. My brother and dad did go back this evening and they were told “it sounds like the timing chain needs to be replaced”. MIND YOU, it was not making the wining noise before they touched it. I called and left a voicemail as they are closed and fully intend to show up when they open on Monday to discuss this further. Am I wrong for wanting them to make it right? This is a known issue on the Terrain forums so all signs point to “they screwed up” in my opinion.
GMC Terrain water pump replacement gone wrong
- Thread starter gregk24
- Start date
120k
I’m going to try!
Oh man.... there's a simple tool you can use that secures the sprocket in place so that it's basically impossible to goof up timing and stuff.
That’s what I read. From what my brother told me they are trying to deflect. They told him “it sounds better than when it came in” which is completely false. At what point is the shop responsible? I feel good about going in with the TSB in hand. Of course they could try to tell me they used the correct tool.
You're not wrong....But they're already trying to get out of it/Want you to pay to fix the mistake. Do you really trust them to go deeper after screwing up something so simple?
'Sounds better'... maybe it sounds 'different'... Yeah, keep that TSB handy. Perhaps inquire what their procedure for replacing the pump was (what measures they took to not mess with timing) *before* bringing up the TSB. Then provide the TSB as guidance for how they can make it right? I'd say be polite and respectful of course... that can go a long way.
No I don’t trust them at all. I was thinking of telling them they should consider sending it to the GMC dealer to fix it.
Good recommendation. Thank you.
You are in a tough spot, made even more so with it being the parents car. Sounds like even if they admit fault, can they fix it right? Or will they want to fix it right.
I echo being respectful, then see what they say.......... With the TSB in hand. Sounds like they did not hold things in place for sure.
Good luck
I echo being respectful, then see what they say.......... With the TSB in hand. Sounds like they did not hold things in place for sure.
Good luck
Went by first thing this morning and told explained my concerns. They were very defensive and claimed “it sounds better than before”. They are going to open it all back up and take a look but told me they couldn’t guarantee there would be no charge. Not very happy with how they handled my concern.
"Before it sucked a lot. Now it only sucks a little."
That logic is baffling.
Also, you did a great job of digging up the TSB and presenting your case here. It may not help with the shop, but I was impressed. Your argument is strong enough that further research is definitely required -- too bad the shop can't figure this out
Check out www.carcomplaints.com, there's a lot of info on these over there. Seems like the biggest is a frozen pcv valve that clogs, blows out the rear main seal, causing quick oil loss. Pcv valve is integrated into the valve cover. From what I read it seems like they get loud first before bad things happen.
Ok. I thought that was only in freezing conditions. Could be wrong.
Correct. It'll never happen in Florida.
Update! The shop ended up replacing the balance shaft chain tensioner and the noise is gone. They originally vehemently denied that their work caused the whining noise “it was there before” she claimed. We got some form of an apology but more than anything I’m glad it appears to be fixed, and without charging my parents more. To think they were trying to charge them an ADDITIONAL $2000 to replace the chain makes me sick. They fixed it as a “courtesy” she said. And “sometimes mistakes happen”. Anyway. I’ll attach a before and after video so you can hear what it sounded like then, and now. I plan on doing an oil change to make sure any debris from the work gets drained out.