If you are talking about the 1997,  and 2004 -on Malibu's  with the 4
cylinder engine its a timing chain. Gates has a manual that shows belts and
chains.

Can anyone tell me how I can find out if a given year and engine
Malibu uses a timing  belt or a timing chain?  Is there a listing
somewhere showing various car makes and models (and engines) and which
use timing chains?  TIA for any info.
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