My Astra 1.6 is five years old and has mileage of less than 21,000. My garage tells me that Vauxhall recommend that the cambelt should be changed after 40,000 or four years, whichever is the sooner.
The garage also says that I should get the cambelt changed urgently in view of the time - as if the cambelt breaks it could cause further damage which would mean a much larger bill.
Do you think it's urgent to get the cambelt changed? If not, how long would you leave it?
2007-06-28 07:01:35 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Hi your astra is fitted with an ecotec engine i am guessing, the ecotec and any vauxhall after 1995 is an interferance engine meaning that the pistons will hit valves if the belt breaks. There are other factors too consider as well not just mileage, the manufacturers reccomended intervals are set for a very good reason i.e they test things liek this to destruction for example mercedes benz spend £1,000,000 a day on research and develpoment to try and improve the quality, also there is the fact of possible oil contamination as well, so not only do you need to change the belt you need to change the tensioner and idlers as well otherwise the bill which should be about £300 could turn out to be one for over £1000
2007-06-28 08:00:17 · answer #1 · answered by gav552001 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would err on the side of caution; most components will deteriorate a certain extent with time even if the vehicle is not driven often. Fibrous or neoprene belts probably do suffer with age. If you don't take on the cost of a new belt you are running a significant risk of suffering a breakage which will almost certainly result in several damaged valves, could result in damaged piston(s) and, if the break occurs, at high engine RPM, the engine could be wrecked. Life being what it is it will probably occur in the middle of the night, in rain and miles from any where. Manufacturers normally recommend a change anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 miles. This depends on the belt material and the belt-to-pulley design parameters.
2007-06-28 08:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by The Ancient Brit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vauxhall Astra Timing Belt Change
2016-12-30 10:47:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the timing belt breaks while the engine is running, in most cars, the piston will hit, bend, and crush the valves, and possibly crack/bend/break the connection rod. Basically, it destroys the whole engine. It is a very critical part.
With that said, though, the belt is made of very durable material. I have NEVER heard of a case where it breaks that early. Usually, the replacement schedule is 70K miles or 5 to 7 years.
I would suggest looking into your owner's manual for the factory specified maintenance schedule. If your garage is recommending replacement far short of the factory recommendation, they better have some evidence to show you why it is recommended.
I would also suggest getting a second opinion.
2007-06-28 07:13:44 · answer #4 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the manufacturer does in fact recommend replacement of the cam belt (also known as the timing belt) at the interval you stated then I would highly recommend sticking to that interval as closely as possible.
Belt driven engines can have catastrophic damage done internally if the belt breaks. Most of today's cars are "interference engines" meaning that once the belt breaks or skips then the valves can be hit by the pistons. Valves bend, valve seats break, cylinder heads crack, pistons crack and connecting rods can bend. This situation will become very expensive to repair.
You are much better off spending the money now as preventative maintenance so as to avoid costly repairs later.
Good Luck,
An ASE Certified Master Technician and an engine specialist.
2007-06-28 07:18:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about it yet. I'm sure that the garage wants the business and the money. Even though you are beyond the time limit, I'm sure you have many more months and miles before the belt will break. If you can get a visual inspection of the belt, just take a look and see if the belt looks frayed or cracked. If it is not, then let it go. Who knows, you may want to trade for another car before the belt needs to be replaced. Good luck.
2007-06-28 07:07:56 · answer #6 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vauxhall Astra Cambelt Change
2016-11-06 23:37:13 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no point gambling on this sort of thing. best to change it to have peace of mind. that way you know you are covered. we have our car done regularly and we have low mileage too. its obviously not very urgent but get it done either as soon as you can do without your car or as soon as you have the money if thats an issue. cambelt is better than a new engine if it goes. best wishes to you
2007-06-28 07:18:00 · answer #8 · answered by Karen D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a gamble you need to make, £100 for a cam belt change or £2000 having all the valves replaced in the engine when the belt snaps.
the garage would not be doing their job properly if they did not point out the manufacturers recommendations.
2007-06-28 07:09:44 · answer #9 · answered by Kernow Lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a low mileage rover once that didn't need belt change until 90 000 mile snap a lot earlier than that cost over £600 to repair that was 12 year ago though for the want o a few pound i say change better safe than sorry
2007-06-28 18:35:01 · answer #10 · answered by barrin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋