Didn't have a 1.4 engine. Assuming it has a 2.4 engine and it has a chain.
The 2.4 litre four cylinder engine in a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has a timing CHAIN
It has a chain that should last the life of the engine.
On a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu : Both the 2.2 litre four cylinder engine and the 3.5 litre V6 engine have a timing CHAIN
On a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu : Both the 2.4 litre four cylinder engine and the 3.1 litre V6 engine have a timing CHAIN
Timing Chain
The 2003 Chevy Malibu does not have a timing belt. It has a chain which should last the life of the engine.
The 2005 Chevy Malibu has a timing chain, not a timing belt.
marks timing chain 99 Malibu 2.4
Depends on what year it is and which engine it has. If it has a pushrod engine in it, it has a timing chain instead of a belt. If it is an overhead cam engine, then it does. Keep in mind that the Malibu was originally a Chevelle model starting in 1964. The Malibu replaced the Chevelle in 1978, so there are a lot of possibilities here.
The '97-'01 model Chevy Malibu (both engine types; I-4 (2.4L) and V6 (3.1L)) has a timing chain, NOT a timing belt.
chain
What exactly are you trying to do? Timing is controlled by the computer. Timing marks are on the timing chain gears. I own a 1998 Malibu JJ