The timing is a very important unit in every car that needs serious attention. Here will be given the most detailed instructions to replace the timing belt drive with an Opel Astra h 1.8. You will learn when to change the belt and what defects will indicate the need to replace it.

The timing unit provides fuel and air to the cylinders and facilitates the removal of exhaust gases. This is due to the timely opening and closing of the valve system. The valve timing is determined by the cams located on the camshaft. The camshaft is connected to crankshaft using a drive. While the camshaft makes only 1 revolution, the crankshaft has already managed to turn 2 times. It turns out that one valve opening occurs per cycle.

As a drive to different cars both chain and belt drives are used. On the Opel Astra, this is a belt, and its condition is the most directly affects the operation of the whole mechanism. The belt drive is a ring with teeth on inside. With their help, the belt engages with the gears. In addition, the belt is a drive for the oil pump. Thus, the belt drive receives a double load, which contributes to its early wear. Therefore, be sure to monitor the condition of the belt, because if it sags, the car will lose its power. But that's nothing, but if the belt breaks, it will real problem. But if you are not interested in the state of the belt drive for a long time, then a break may well occur. In this case, the synchronization of the movement of the shafts will cease to be performed, the valves will hit the pistons and real chaos will begin in the motor.

When to change the timing belt?

The manufacturer recommends replacing the timing belt after 150,000 km. Of course, this regulation should be followed, but it may still happen that the drive becomes unusable a little earlier than this period. Many factors can contribute to this, including the use of consumables in bad weather conditions. If you bought a belt on the market, then you could well have slipped a low-quality product, which means that such a belt will not last long. Increased loads also have a very strong effect on premature wear of the belt drive. If you use a trailer or like to ride hills, this will definitely cause the belt to wear out earlier. And also, if you install a belt with violations, then it will also wear out quickly, and may even fly off.

That is why it is so important to check the condition of this consumable in a timely manner. This must be done at least after 25,000 km. Just open the hood and ask what condition the belt drive is in and the entire timing assembly. Most likely, you will change not only the belt, but also some other consumables. Be sure to check the status tension roller. If there are backlashes on it, then this is a signal to replace it. And it’s not worth talking about gaskets and seals - they will have to be changed. When evaluating the condition of the assembly, attention should be paid to the presence of oil stains on the surface of the belt. If they are, this means that the tightness is broken, and the seals began to leak. If they are not changed, they will cause oil to drip onto the new belt. And since the rubber corrodes from its impact, the belt will fail very quickly.

But what visual defects can be found on the belt, in addition to the already mentioned oil stains:

• folds, cracks and other signs of wear;
• delamination of material;
• tooth wear;
• the presence of separately protruding threads at the ends of the product.

It is better to replace the belt on a flyover with all the special tools. But what set of tools you need for this:

• end keys;
• heads;
• torque wrench, a set of screwdrivers with different tips;
• jack;
• collar;
• shaft fixing device.

And, of course, it will be necessary to prepare all the consumables that you intend to replace. It is better to buy them in trusted outlets, because low-quality material will fail much earlier. You definitely don't need to save money on this.

Belt replacement

1. First, we de-energize the car by removing the negative terminal.
2. Turn off the air duct, the air filter sensor and the filter itself.
3. Remove the right wheel and put the car on a support.
4. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the mudguard on the right.
5. We dismantle the motor protection by substituting a wooden base under the power unit.
6. Now remove the motor support located on the right.

7. Remove the belt of auxiliary devices, before that, having dismantled its tensioner.
8. We dismantle the upper casing of the timing mechanism.
9. Now we need to fix the flywheel so that it does not scroll and unscrew the mounting bolt. He may not get out right away. In this case, we press the brake in fifth gear. You can ask an assistant to apply the brake.
10. After that, remove the crankshaft pulley, and screw the bolt into place.
11. Turn the crankshaft clockwise to set the motor to the TMV position. Before this, marks on the camshafts should be set. They should line up with the marks on the crankshaft.

12. Now we block the camshaft sprockets with a special lock.
13. Remove the timing belt along with the tensioner and rollers.
14. We install new parts in place of the old ones.

15. Check the labels again.
16. We pull a new belt. We start doing this from the crankshaft gear, then we start it by the pump and the tension roller. Then we put it on the intake and exhaust camshafts.

17. Check the belt tension. It should not bend much if you press on it.
18. We turn the tensioner so that the mark located on it is aligned with the mark on the bracket.
19 Tighten the tension roller bolt.

20. Scroll the crankshaft to the right 2 turns and check the marks.
21. We unblock the camshafts.
22. We start the engine and check its operation.

Video

Probably, no one will doubt that the condition of the car must be constantly monitored. This statement also applies to the gas distribution mechanism. This unit is responsible for the removal of gases and the synchronization of the operation of the shafts and cylinders. The camshaft is connected to the crankshaft by means of a drive. This is the detail we are going to talk about here. The Opel Astra h 1.6 uses a belt as a drive. It is on him that the quality of the functioning of the entire node depends. The belt is a closed ring, which has teeth on the inside, with which it engages with the gears of the camshaft and crankshaft.

And the timing belt is the drive for the pump and the oil supply pump. Such a load leads to premature wear of the belt, after which the question arises of its replacement. In order not to trace the moment of final wear of the drive and other parts of the car, you need to periodically look under its hood. The power of the car may well weaken about the sag of the drive.

What threatens a broken belt

Sometimes the belt breaks. As a rule, this happens to negligent motorists who do not want to monitor their car. After a belt break, a meeting of pistons and valves is inevitable. The valves will then bend, pistons and cylinders will suffer. Repair after this will be expensive, so it’s better not to bring it to this and change the belt on time.

At first glance, this may seem like a very difficult task, but it is only at first glance. Many, even inexperienced, motorists cope with this task on their own, without resorting to the help of professionals. It is recommended to change the belt after 150,000 kilometers. This recommendation should be taken as a guide, but still do not forget about periodic diagnostics, as the belt may wear out ahead of time. Various factors can contribute to this, including special driving conditions on Russian roads and improper belt installation. If the actuator is installed incorrectly, it may fly off, which will inevitably lead to premature wear.

If during the inspection of the assembly you notice that the drive is covered with cracks, if bulges or depressions form on it, this is a clear signal to replace it. Finding oil stains also does not bode well. This means that it is time to change the belt, as the oil corrodes the rubber. In this case, the oil seals will also have to be changed, because if this is not done, then there will be little dripping on the new belt. He won't last long. Sometimes chips appear on the teeth. Explicit signs of wear are also a signal to replace the belt. It is necessary to change it both when the structure is stratified, and when hanging threads appear at the ends.

Replacement process

Replacement should only be done when the engine is cold. It is better to do this on a flyover, but it is quite possible to get by with a jack. If during the diagnostic process it is revealed that the pump also needs to be changed, then do not forget to buy antifreeze, since the old one will have to be drained.

So, first we de-energize the car. To do this, disconnect the battery terminal. We are filming front wheel on the right, before that, having raised the car with a jack, and remove the air filter, right mudguard. The cover of the timing mechanism is fastened with two bolts, unscrew them and remove the cover.

It is not necessary that you remove the belt to replace it, the drive is sometimes removed for another purpose. In this case, mark the direction of its movement with a felt-tip pen. The whole point here is that the teeth are run in to the gears during operation, and if the direction is changed, this may well cause them premature wear. Now we unscrew the pulley fastening bolt and remove the pulley.

The pulley bolt will not be easy to unscrew. To do this, you need to fix the crankshaft from turning. This is done as follows: the assistant, while driving, in 5th gear presses the brake all the way. Now remove the auxiliary drive roller.

Now we need to dismantle the lower timing case. To do this, unscrew 4 bolts.

Now, with the help of a hexagon, we loosen the tension of the intermediate roller. It doesn't need to be removed at all. After that, with the second key, turn the roller clockwise to the very end. After that, the timing belt will loosen.

We unscrew the intermediate roller and remove the belt from the crankshaft pulley.

After that, you can completely remove the belt.

Do not forget to examine the condition of the rollers, but it is better to change them immediately when replacing the belt, so as not to disassemble the entire mechanism again to replace the rollers. If the rollers are not replaced in time, this may cause their destruction. They are easy to remove, just unscrew the mounting bolts.

Be sure to check the marks on the crankshaft and camshafts, then put on new drive on the crankshaft pulley. Then the belt is put on the rollers camshafts, for which it needs to be brought behind an intermediate roller. We turn the tension roller clockwise and start the belt behind it. Now the spring will stop acting on the tension roller, and it will take the desired position. To ensure sufficient belt tension, it is necessary to turn the crankshaft 2 times, for which a pulley fastening bolt is screwed into its shank.

Once again check the alignment of the marks on the shafts. If they do not match, the installation of the belt will have to be repeated. All other parts are installed in reverse order.

Replacement video. Step-by-step instruction

Replacing the timing belt Opel Astra H Z16XER has its own characteristics. You need to know about these features if you are going to change the belt of your car yourself. In this article, we will list all the spare parts and tools necessary for the work, as well as analyze the procedure for replacing the Opel Z16XER timing.

When is the timing belt replaced Opel Astra N Z16XER?

The car is completed with a rubber belt with reinforcing. According to the regulations, the belt on this Opel model must be changed every 150,000 kilometers, which significantly exceeds the average life of a conventional belt. But keep in mind that these terms are more relevant for European roads.

In no case do not bring the situation to the point where the Opel Astra Z16XER engine breaks the timing belt. A break will cause serious damage and in some cases require a motor overhaul.

Operation of the machine in difficult road conditions and in harsh climates significantly reduces the life of the spare part. Therefore, it is advisable to check the condition of the timing belt after passing 100,000 kilometers. If there are any defects, they must be replaced immediately.

What signs will indicate that it is time to change the belt, read below.

Signs of timing damage:

• oil smudges on the outer part of the belt;
• noticeable damage on the end part;
• defects on the toothed or outer side (cracks, delaminations, etc.).

Attention! Oil leaks are a serious defect - technical liquid negatively affects the rubber, damaging it. The appearance of oil stains can occur due to depressurization of the shaft seals. Repairs should be made immediately.

Opel Astra H 16XER - do-it-yourself timing belt replacement

Some of the actions are performed on a raised car (a pit or a lift will do).

Part numbers of suitable spare parts:

• 1987949590 - timing belt Opel Z16XEP from BOSCH (STDM1168S8M24);
• EPG1592H - timing belt GOODYEAR;
• 40928881 – V-ribbed belt SWAG;
• 278 19 - timing return roller Febi;
• 277 92 - Febi tensioner pulley.

Tools for work:

• set of keys and TORX heads;
• ring wrench 12-sided 19 mm;
• hex key 6 mm;
• socket head 11.

Timing replacement procedure Opel Astra H 1 6 Z16XER:

• Remove from right side car front wheel and motor mudguard.
• Dismantle the drive belt auxiliary units- to do this, you need to turn the tensioner roller counterclockwise with a wrench.
• To get the air filter - to do this, loosen the clamp securing the air duct sleeve to the filter, remove the sleeve from the nozzle, and disconnect the bolts holding the filter element.

• Move the piston of the 1st cylinder to top dead center - the shaft marks are in a horizontal plane opposite each other (see the figure below).

• Unscrew the 2 bolts of the front cover of the drive, and then remove the cover itself.

Attention! In the case when the belt is not supposed to be changed, it is necessary to draw arrows with a marker before removing it, indicating in which direction it rotated. This is done due to the fact that the teeth of the inner surface of the belt are “run in” to the pulleys of the operating shafts. If you put the belt in the opposite direction, it will exhaust its resource much faster.

• Remove the crankshaft pulley by unscrewing its bolt.

You need to know! The crankshaft pulley bolt is tightened to a high torque. To prevent the crankshaft from turning while removing the mount, it is necessary that the second person, while in the cabin, engage 5th gear and apply the brake.

• Remove the accessory belt tensioner.

• Remove the lower timing cover.

• Unscrew, but not completely, the fasteners of the intermediate roller.

• To remove the timing belt tension with key “A”, you need to turn the roller clockwise to the end (you will feel resistance from the spring) and, without removing the key, remove the bolt and dismantle the intermediate roller.

• Remove the toothed belt from the crankshaft pulley and remove it from the system.

• Remove the tension roller by unscrewing the mount holding it, and replace the part.

You need to know! During the work, it is necessary to change the timing tensioner and intermediate rollers - the life of these parts does not much exceed the period of using the belt, and in order to change them after, you will have to repeat all the steps for disassembling the car, which will take a lot of effort and time.

We put a replacement:

• Shaft alignment marks must match.
• Put the belt on the crankshaft pulley, put the drive branch behind the intermediate roller, then, pulling the belt, put it on the camshaft pulleys.
• Start the rear branch behind the tension roller, having previously turned it clockwise to the end.

Attention! When the tension roller ceases to be influenced from the outside, the part, under the influence of the spring, will return to its normal position for correct operation.

• Screw the pulley bolt into the crankshaft shank, then rotate the crankshaft 2 turns - thanks to this, the desired tension will appear. The alignment marks of the shafts must match.
• If the marks do not match, you need to reinstall the belt.

On this, the replacement of the timing belt Opel Astra N Z16XER is considered complete. Upon completion of the installation of a new belt, it is necessary to put the previously removed parts in place and check the operation of the engine.

The gas distribution mechanism of the Z 16 XER, Z 18 XER, Z 20 LER and Z 20 LEH engines is driven by a toothed rubber reinforced belt, and the Z 14 XEP engine is driven by a chain. Replacing the timing belt is a routine maintenance Maintenance and described in this subsection. The chain is replaced at the current or overhaul engine if necessary, so the work on replacing it is described in sec. "Features of the design and repair of the engine."

According to the manufacturer's recommendation Opel car Astra, the timing belt must be replaced after 150 thousand kilometers. The timing belt is also replaced if, upon inspection, you find:

• traces of oil on any surface of the belt;
• signs of wear of the toothed surface, cracks, undercuts, folds and delamination of the fabric from the rubber;
• cracks, folds, depressions or bulges on the outer surface of the belt;
• fraying or delamination on the end surfaces of the belt.

Warning

Belt with traces engine oil on any of its surfaces must be replaced, as the oil quickly destroys the rubber. The cause of oil getting on the belt (usually a violation of the tightness of the crankshaft and camshaft oil seals) must be eliminated immediately.

Note

Carry out work on a viewing ditch, overpass or, if possible, on a lift.

Z16XER do the following.

You will need: TORX keys E14, E18, T50, hex key “6”, socket head “11”.

1. Remove the accessory drive belt (see Replacing the accessory drive belt).

2. For easier access, remove the air filter (see Removing and installing the air filter and air duct).

4. Remove the right mudguard of the engine (see Removal and installation of mudguards and engine crankcase protection).

Setting the piston of the first cylinder to the TDC position of the compression stroke).

6. Turn out two bolts of fastening of a forward cover of a drive of the gas-distributing mechanism...

7. ... and remove the cover.

8. If you remove the belt not for replacement, mark with a felt-tip pen the direction of movement of the belt when the engine is running so as not to change this direction when reinstalling.

Note

9. Turn out a bolt of fastening of a pulley crankshaft...

10. ... and remove the pulley.

Useful advice

The crankshaft pulley bolt is tightened to a very high torque. In order to fix the crankshaft from turning, turn on V gear and press the brake pedal (this should be done by an assistant).

11. Turn out a bolt of fastening of a tension roller of a belt of a drive of auxiliary units...

12. ... and remove the video.

13. Turn out four bolts of fastening of the bottom cover of a drive of the gas-distributing mechanism...

14. ... and remove the cover.

15. Loosen the intermediate roller mounting bolt, but do not completely unscrew it.

16. Loosen the tension of the timing belt, for which the key BUT turn the roller clockwise until it stops, overcoming the resistance of the roller spring ...

17. ... and then, holding the tension roller in this position, unscrew the bolt securing the intermediate roller and remove it.

18. Remove the belt from the crankshaft pulley ...

19. ... and remove the timing belt.

Useful advice

Every time you change the timing belt, replace...

... his tension ...

...and intermediate rollers, since their resource has already been reduced and when installing the old rollers after a relatively short period of time, it may be necessary to disassemble them again to replace them. In addition, there is a high risk of destruction of long-running rollers, which will lead to emergency engine failure. The removal of the intermediate roller is described above in this subsection (see paragraphs 15-17) ...

... to remove the tension roller, unscrew the bolt of its fastening.

20. Install the rollers, if they were removed, in the reverse order of removal.

21. Check the coincidence of the alignment marks of the crankshaft and camshafts (see "Setting the piston of the first cylinder to the TDC position of the compression stroke").

22. Put on a belt on a gear pulley of a cranked shaft. Get the drive branch of the belt behind the intermediate roller and, pulling it, put it on the camshaft pulleys. Insert the rear branch of the belt behind the tension roller, after turning it clockwise until it stops (see paragraph 16).

Note

After the action on the tension roller stops, it will take the position necessary for the normal tension of the belt under the action of the spring.

23. Screw the pulley mounting bolt into the crankshaft shank and rotate the crankshaft two turns so that the tension roller provides the nominal belt tension.

24. Check the alignment of the alignment marks of the crankshaft and camshafts. If not, reinstall the belt.

25. Establish all earlier removed details in sequence, return to removal.

To replace the engine timing belt Z 18 XER do the following.

1. Remove the accessory drive belt (see "Replacing the accessory drive belt").

2. For easier access, remove the air filter (see "Removal and installation air filter and air duct).

3. Remove the right front wheel.

4. Remove the right mudguard of the engine (see "Removal and installation of mudguards and engine crankcase protection").

5. Set the piston of the 1st cylinder to the TDC position of the compression stroke (see).

6. Turn out three bolts 2 (fig. 1) fastenings of a forward cover 1 of a drive of the gas-distributing mechanism and remove a cover.

Rice. 1. Removing the front cover of the gas distribution mechanism of the Z 18 XER engine: 1 - front cover of the gas distribution mechanism drive; 2 - bolts for fastening the front cover.

7. If you remove the belt not for replacement, mark with a felt-tip pen the direction of movement of the belt when the engine is running so as not to change this direction when reinstalling.

Note

The teeth of the timing belt are run in to the toothed pulleys of the crankshaft and camshafts one-sidedly. Reversing the direction of the belt will cause it to wear faster due to repeated running-in.

8. Remove the auxiliary drive belt tensioner by unscrewing bolt A (see "Replacing the auxiliary drive belt", Fig. 1) of its fastening.

9. Turn out a bolt 3 (fig. 2) fastenings of a pulley 4 of a cranked shaft and remove a pulley.

Rice. 2. Removing the crankshaft pulley and the lower timing cover of the Z 18 XER engine:1 - lower cover of the gas distribution mechanism drive; 2 - a bolt of fastening of the bottom cover; 3 - a bolt of fastening of a pulley of a cranked shaft; 4 - crankshaft pulley.

10. Turn out a bolt 2 fastenings of the bottom cover 1 gas-distributing mechanism and remove a cover.

11. Disconnect the phase 2 sensor from the cylinder head (Fig. 3) by unscrewing the two bolts of its fastening.

Rice. 3. Removing the phase sensor and the right engine mount Z 18 XER: 1 - right suspension bracket power unit; 2 - phase sensor; 3 - bolts for fastening the right suspension support of the power unit to the engine; 4 - bolts for fastening the right suspension support of the power unit to the body.

12. Support the engine securely.

13. Remove the right support 1 (see Fig. 3) of the suspension of the power unit by unscrewing three bolts 3 of its fastening to the engine and three bolts 4 of fastening to the body.

14. Loosen the tension of the timing belt, for which loosen the bolt 2 (Fig. 4) fastening the tension roller, and turn the roller with the key 3 counterclockwise until the pointer 2 (Fig. 5) of the tensioner is set to the extreme left position. Tighten the idler pulley bolt.

Rice. 4. Loosening the timing belt of the Z 18 XER engine: 1 - tension roller; 2 - a bolt of fastening of a tension roller; 3 - hex key.

Rice. 5. Index of the adjusting unit tension roller of the timing gear of the Z 18 XER engine: B - pointer position when installing a new belt; A - the position of the pointer when installing the belt, which was in operation; 1 - mark for tension control when installing a used belt; 2 - pointer of the adjusting unit; 3 - mark for tension control when installing a new belt.

15. Remove the belt from the crankshaft sprocket and remove the timing belt.

Useful advice

Each time you replace the timing belt of the Opel Astra car, replace its tension and intermediate rollers, as well as the water pump (the water pump pulley acts as the second intermediate roller), since their resource has already been reduced and when installing the previous rollers after a relatively short period of time, it may be necessary re-disassembly to replace them. In addition, there is a high risk of destruction of long-running rollers, which will lead to emergency engine failure.

16. Install the rollers and water pump, if they were removed, in the reverse order of removal.

17. Check the coincidence of the alignment marks of the crankshaft and camshafts (see Features of installing the piston of the first cylinder in the TDC position of the compression stroke).

18. Put on a belt on a gear pulley of a cranked shaft. Get the drive branch of the belt behind the intermediate roller and, pulling it, put it on the camshaft pulleys. Tension the driven branch of the belt and put it on the toothed pulley of the water pump, and then put it behind the tension roller.

19. Loosen the bolt 2 (see Fig. 4) fastening the tension roller and turn the roller with the key 3 clockwise until the pointer 2 (see Fig. 5) of the tensioner is set against mark 1 (“USED” - used belt) or 3 ("NEW" - new belt). Tighten the idler pulley bolt.

20. Screw the pulley mounting bolt into the crankshaft shank and rotate the crankshaft two turns so that the belt takes its normal position on the pulleys and rollers.

21. Check the coincidence of the alignment marks of the crankshaft and camshafts. If not, reinstall the belt.

22. Loosen the bolt 2 (see Fig. 4) fastening the tension roller and specify the degree of belt tension (see item 19 in this subsection).

23. Establish all earlier removed details in sequence, return to removal.

Procedure for replacing the timing belt drive engines Z 20 LER and Z 20LEH does not fundamentally differ from the procedure for similar operation on the Z 18 XER engine, but has the following differences.

1. Tension roller 1 (Fig. 6) of the auxiliary drive belt is attached with two bolts 2.

Fig.6. Removing the belt tensioner accessory drives for Z 20 LER and Z 20 LEH engines: 1 - tension roller; 2 - bolts for fastening the tension roller.

2. Pulley 2 (Fig. 7) of the crankshaft is attached with four bolts 3. To remove it, unscrew these bolts with a wrench 1, holding the crankshaft from turning with a socket head or a spanner wrench 4.

Rice. 7. Removing the crankshaft pulley for Z 20 LER and Z 20 LEH engines: 1.4 - keys; 2 - crankshaft pulley; 3 - bolts for fastening the crankshaft pulley (the fourth bolt is not visible, as it is closed with key 4).

3. To remove the bottom cover 1 (Fig. 8) of the gas distribution mechanism drive, it is necessary to unscrew the two bolts 2 of its fastening.

Rice. 8. Removing the bottom cover of the timing gear of the Z 20 LER and Z 20 LEH engines: 1 - lower cover of the gas distribution mechanism drive; 2 - bolts for fastening the lower cover of the gas distribution mechanism drive.

4. The pointer of the adjusting assembly of the tension roller can be in two versions (Fig. 9).

Rice. 9. Index of the adjusting unit of the tension roller of the timing gear of the engines Z 20 LER and Z 20 LEH:A, B - versions of the pointer of the adjusting unit of the tension roller; 1 - pointer of the adjusting unit of the tension roller; 2 - labels.

With the option BUT(Fig. 9) to adjust the belt tension, the tension roller is turned clockwise until pointer 1 coincides with the center of mark 2 (a triangular cutout at the base of the adjuster) when installing a new belt or 4 mm to the left of this position when installing a used belt. With the option B to adjust the belt tension, the tension roller is turned clockwise until the tensioner pointer is set against the “USED” (used belt) or “NEW” (new belt) mark.

In order for the car to work properly, it is necessary to monitor it. technical condition to carry out scheduled operations on a regular basis. Replacing the timing belt is one of those operations. The article describes when to change, gives detailed instructions for replacing and attaches a corresponding video.

[ Hide ]

In what cases is it impossible to do without a replacement?

The gas distribution mechanism is one of the most important components of the car. Thanks to him, the supply fuel-air mixture and air into the cylinders and exhaust gases. This operation is carried out by timely opening and closing of valves. Ensures the functioning of the timing camshaft. There are cams on the shaft, thanks to which the gas distribution phases are determined, that is, the valves are opened and closed. Each engine has its own order of operation of the cylinders.

The camshaft works thanks to a drive that connects it to the crankshaft. The crankshaft makes two revolutions, and the camshaft makes only one complete revolution during this time. Thus, in one cycle, the valve opens only once. As a drive for Opel Astra belt is used. It ensures the synchronous operation of the shafts, therefore, the high-quality operation of the gas distribution mechanism depends on its condition.

The Opel Astra timing belt is a closed rubber ring, on the inside of which there are teeth necessary for better grip with the gears of the shafts. In addition to shaft synchronization, for the oil pump and pump, therefore, it experiences a double load. This leads to increased wear of the product and reduced service life. Therefore, it is important to monitor his condition. Over time, the belt drive can loosen, resulting in a reduction in vehicle power.

If you do not replace it in time, this can lead to a broken belt. When the belt drive breaks, the valves meet the pistons, as a result, the valves bend, and the pistons get damaged, the surface of the cylinders is often scratched. All this leads to costly repair or replacement of the engine.

The strap is replaced according to the Opel Astra operating manual after 150 thousand kilometers, but there are factors that affect the life of the belt:

• the quality of the installed product;
• driving style;
• operating conditions of the car, under constant loads, the belt wears out faster;
• the quality of the strap installation: if it is installed incorrectly, wear increases due to friction.

Therefore, periodically it is necessary to perform a visual inspection of the condition of the belt drive and replace it if the following defects are found:

If traces of oil are found on the surface, the cause of their appearance must be eliminated. Oil stains shorten the life of rubber products. Usually the cause of oil stains is the wear of the shaft seals. Before replacing the belt, they must be changed.

Together with the strap, it is imperative to change the tensioner and rollers, as well as the water pump, if play or surface defects are found.

Replacement instructions

It is more convenient to replace a belt drive on a special device: a flyover, a lift or a viewing ditch. You can also use a jack. Perform the procedure on a cold engine.

A set of necessary tools

To carry out the replacement procedure, the following tools should be prepared:

• set of socket wrenches;
• set of heads;
• hexagon;
• torque wrench;
• collar or extension;
• jack;
• shaft retainer;
• screwdrivers: cross and flat;

In addition, you need to purchase all the necessary consumables. It is better to purchase originals, this will reduce the likelihood of buying a fake. If the pump is changing, then you need to purchase coolant, since the old one will need to be drained.

Replacement consumables

Don't skimp on Supplies. Poor-quality parts wear out faster and can lead to unpleasant surprises on the road.

Stages

Replacing the timing belt on an Opel Astra consists of a sequence of the following steps:

1. Before carrying out work, you need to de-energize the car. To do this, remove the negative terminal from the battery.
2. The air filter housing must be removed to gain access to the drive. Before doing this, you need to remove the air filter sensor and disconnect the air duct.
3. Next, you need to dismantle the right front wheel and put it on a support.
4. After dismantling the wheel, the right engine mudguard is removed. To do this, the mounting bolts are unscrewed.
5. Next, remove the protection of the power unit and use a jack to raise the engine by placing wooden gaskets so as not to damage the crankcase.
6. Then we dismantle the bracket and the right motor support.
7. With a marker or chalk, you need to mark the direction of rotation of the drive strap attachments. Then, using a spanner wrench, we press the tensioner counterclockwise to loosen the belt.
8. We dismantle the belt drive of auxiliary units. For convenience, the tensioner with the generator should also be removed.
9. Further, unscrewing the fixing bolts and disconnecting the crankshaft sensor, if it is provided for by the design.
10. Then we dismantle the upper protective cover of the gas distribution mechanism.
11. Using a special tool, you need to fix the flywheel from turning and unscrew the mounting bolt. If the bolt does not immediately break off, you can put the car in fifth gear and press the brake pedal. If there is no assistant, a board or pipe can be inserted between the pedal and the driver's seat.
12. Having unscrewed the fixing bolt, it is necessary to dismantle the crankshaft pulley and the protective cover under it. The bolt is temporarily screwed into place.
13. Next, turning the crankshaft clockwise, you need to set the engine to TDC. To do this, you need to correctly set installation marks on the camshafts. They must look at each other. In addition, the marks on the crankshaft must match.
14. Then, using the latch, you need to block the gears of the camshafts.
15. The next step is to loosen the tensioner bolt. To do this, insert a hexagon into a special hole and, turning it, move the tension roller.
16. Now you can remove the timing belt.
17. Next, dismantle the tensioner and rollers. We replace the old parts with new ones and install them in their original place.
18. Before installing a new strap, check all alignment marks again.
19. The tension of the belt drive should begin with the crankshaft sprocket. Then, moving counterclockwise, put the pump roller and the tensioner roller behind the roller. Then you need to put the branch first on the exhaust camshaft, and then on the intake, located on the left.
    

    If the gear jumps one tooth during tension, it must be returned back with a key.

20. After installation, check the tension between adjacent gears. When pressed, the belt should not bend much.
21. After loosening the tension roller, you need to turn it so that the pointer on the tensioner and the mark on its bracket coincide.
22. Then you need to tighten the tension roller mounting bolt. Thanks to the spring, the tensioner will take the position necessary for the normal tension of the belt.
23. After replacing the belt drive, you need to turn the crankshaft two full turnover and again check all installation marks. If they do not match, you should repeat the installation of the strap.
24. Now you can unlock the camshafts.
25. Next, you need to install all the removed parts in reverse order.
26. When installing the accessory drive belt, check its tension.
27. After the final assembly, it is necessary to start the engine and check its operation. If they are heard extraneous noise need to eliminate them.

You can replace the timing belt with an Opel Astra at a specialized car service, but a novice car enthusiast can easily perform the procedure on their own. The main thing is to have an idea about the device Opel engine Astra and execution experience repair work. This will save the car enthusiast money and time.

Video "Replacing the timing belt on the Opel Astra"

This video shows how to replace the timing belt on an Opel Astra.