Astra Timing Belt replacement

DollyDee_2

Hello

My son has just had his 2006 Astra 1.4 sxi serviced & MOT'd.

He had to have a few more things done (tyre - which he knew about, front part of exhaust, steering rack). It's cost £435 & he's feeling a bit sick at the moment.

The mechanic said his timing belt is rattling & needs replacing (the car has now done 70000 miles & it has never been replaced according to service book).

He quoted £450 - is this OK?

Thank you.

colino

Timing belts don't rattle, but with no history of change, go to another local, friendly independent to get a comprehensive quote. (The first guys tasted blood and he wants more).

TrickyWicky

As colino said, Timing belts don't rattle. They are made from rubber and other similar materials NOT METAL. Many vauxhalls have timing CHAINS which are almost indestructible so you would be wise to ring your local dealer and give them the registration and check to see if it has a chain instead of a belt. Chains CAN rattle but that does not mean they need changing - a timing chain should have a lifespan of at least 200k.

£450.. bit steep but depends on the amount of time and the cost of the parts. I went somewhere that reckoned they could do mine for £200 and they bodged it. I went to another who estimated £800.. needless to say I did it myself in the end to save the hassle. £450 isn't too bad to be honest but I would definitely check to see if the car has a chain because if it does, they're after money for nothing.

fivetide

If he is doing a full job with the belt he should be changing the tensioners and water pump as well - assuming it does need one. As Tricky says, check that out first. It won't rattle. If it is rattling, it might be valves or tappets or something. Worth a second opinion.

learningaboutinsurance

fivetide wrote: »

If he is doing a full job with the belt he should be changing the tensioners and water pump as well - assuming it does need one. As Tricky says, check that out first. It won't rattle. If it is rattling, it might be valves or tappets or something. Worth a second opinion.

Can i ask just so i learn something today, if it doesn't rattle what should one look or hear out for when one has Timing belt issues.

copystuff

get it checked at some other place sounds like hes trying to con your son and i think more like £150 for belt change. Im lucky really as i know people that can do my jobs properly and cheaper.

fivetide

learningaboutinsurance wrote: »

Can i ask just so i learn something today, if it doesn't rattle what should one look or hear out for when one has Timing belt issues.

main thing is to look at the condition of the belt. Does the rubber look cracked? do the teeth look worn?

Usually they are serviced by miles or five years whichever comes first. that can be the mistake with low mile cars, people get them serviced per the miles and not by what needs done on a time basis.

If in doubt, it can be best to get it checked properly or replace it. With the wrong car it will mean a new engine if it goes.

learningaboutinsurance

fivetide wrote: »

main thing is to look at the condition of the belt. Does the rubber look cracked? do the teeth look worn?
.

where does one look for this? by the engine on the side or on top, is there any indication during driving that the belt is struggling?

fivetide

learningaboutinsurance wrote: »

where does one look for this? by the engine on the side or on top, is there any indication during driving that the belt is struggling?

no, usually they are on the front of the engine. It really does vary from car to car though. You'll have a fan belt on most and you'll also have a thicker timing belt with 'teeth' or grooves in.

Not easy to explain. Here's an american telling you about it, the principles are the same. I dare say if you search YouTube for your car there will be a guide up there somewhere

http://youtu.be/JmtiYheNBWc

EdGasket

It is feasible for the tensionor and/or water pump to rattle which basically require a timing belt job to fix. I have heard and repaired a Corsa with a rattle from the timing belt end. It was sounding more like a tractor! The water pump, driven by the timing belt, had excessive play and the impeller was scraping the pump housing. It was lucky the belt hadn't been completely thrown off. Get it looked at by another garage if you are suspicious but don't leave it.

C_Mababejive

Oh here we go..tut tradesfolk ripping folk off again. Rattling or not,if a car has done 70k on its original timing belt,it needs looking at at the very least and i;d say,changing.