Vauxhall astra elegance 2003 auto 1.8 - cambelt advise
Discussion
I bought a tidy little astra, clean previous MOT's. Two owners from new in same family only 35.5K for a 2003 genuine mileage. Full service history, bar one year! But no recipients for any work carried out.
I find it hard that there is no knowledge of if the cam belt had been done with a car been so well looked after, is there any way of finding out without striping it down?
On 38,500k (16 yrs old) its well over due if you base it on change at 60K or 5years, which ever come first! That I've been advised. Also change pump at same time, been told £350, is that good/average? Would it be worth doing auxiliary belts if it's being stripped down.?
I find it hard that there is no knowledge of if the cam belt had been done with a car been so well looked after, is there any way of finding out without striping it down?
On 38,500k (16 yrs old) its well over due if you base it on change at 60K or 5years, which ever come first! That I've been advised. Also change pump at same time, been told £350, is that good/average? Would it be worth doing auxiliary belts if it's being stripped down.?
Tried that, the father in law had it for 6k then previous owner ( and son) had it for 32k they don't have a paper trial of receipts, and now memory of it being done! but the car was well looked after and serviced every year. Doesn't make sence to me! If the car is now 16 yrs old and should be done at 80k or 5yrs which ever comes first . should have records of it being done at least once? It my intent to get it done this month anyway to be on the safe side, water pumps included at £350 and may get auxiliary belts done also while striped down.
Matt_E_Mulsion said:
Personally I wouldn't bother with the water pump. My mrs's Astra, 2002 1.4 16v is currently on 215,000 miles approx, we've had it since 60,000 miles, it's had two cam belt kits fitted by us in that time, but is still on the original water pump.
In which case the OP might be able to find a whizz kid that can slide the old belt off and the new one on for sensible money. Can this be done on the 1.8?Penelope Stopit said:
In which case the OP might be able to find a whizz kid that can slide the old belt off and the new one on for sensible money. Can this be done on the 1.8?
Theoretically you can do it on most engines. You get a stanley knife and cut it in half either with someone turning the engine over (or if you are very brave with the belt spinning from the engine). I'm less than convinced anyone could do a half decent job doing this though or that it's easier than doing it properly. For a start most timing belts are pretty tight to get on even with the tensioner released. The idea you are going to simply slip it on with the tensioner doing it's magis is ridiculous to me.
Someone will tell me they do it all the time though.
Did mine on my '06 Astra G with the help of a mate.
Mine had already been done but it was wearing a spindly Spansih aftermarket belt.
First of all, get a Gates belt, whoever fits it, they're bomb proof.
Not doing the water pump and tensioner is false economy. Both are whirly things
and if either seizes, it's bye bye belt, bye bye engine.
Also, doing the aux belts at the same time ius the best bet - think of it as insurance.
BTW, Mr. Vauxhall insists on a new cank pulley bolt and there are two types. Buy both
arranging to return the wrong 'un. Some belt/pulley/tensioner kits include both.
Mine had already been done but it was wearing a spindly Spansih aftermarket belt.
First of all, get a Gates belt, whoever fits it, they're bomb proof.
Not doing the water pump and tensioner is false economy. Both are whirly things
and if either seizes, it's bye bye belt, bye bye engine.
Also, doing the aux belts at the same time ius the best bet - think of it as insurance.
BTW, Mr. Vauxhall insists on a new cank pulley bolt and there are two types. Buy both
arranging to return the wrong 'un. Some belt/pulley/tensioner kits include both.
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