Astra Ecotec cambelt change

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Tue 14 Mar 2006 12:28
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - 3T
Hi all-bit of advice please,
just coming up to 78k in my 51 plate astra, cambelt last done at 40k so I know it needs doing at the end of the month when the service is due . I know it will need a kit rather than just the belt itself- is there anything else that is prudent to change while the belt is off?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 14 Mar 2006 12:40
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - Dynamic Dave
If you're using a cambelt kit, then the only thing left to consider changing is the waterpump. It will save you the expense of another stripdown should it fail before the next 40k belt change is due.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 14 Mar 2006 13:21
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - 3T
thanks dave, I take it the pump is driven off the cambelt then? i know the pumps are fragile on vw's and i suppose that hoping for 120k out of one on an astra is asking a lot.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 14 Mar 2006 13:44
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - Dynamic Dave
I take it the pump is driven off the cambelt then?


Sure is.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Mar 2006 13:05
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - johnny
Would you recommend the water pump gets done at the first ( 40K cambelt change ? I have a 1.6 Zafira on 37k which I assume is the same engine.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Mar 2006 17:17
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - Chris M
Personally I wouldn't. I did at 80k, but I doubt I will at 120k. Depends how risk averse you are.

Chris M
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 19 Mar 2006 18:25
Astra Ecotec cambelt change - Dynamic Dave
Would you recommend the water pump gets done at the first ( 40K cambelt change ? I have a 1.6 Zafira on 37k which I assume is the same engine.


How long is a piece of string? A waterpump *could* fail at any time. It *should* however last 80k without any problems. It could even last 120k and onwards.

I look at it this way though, a cambelt kit costs around £100, plus there's the labour charge to fit it. If the pump fails 10k after the belt has been changed, you've got that labour charge all over again for the sake of a failed £30 pump.

Get whoever is doing your belt to give the pump a good inspection to see that there's no sign of leaks and that it spins freely with no signs of play or tightness. That's not to say it won't fail anyway, but it should give some indication as to it's condition.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

Will you have to pay the low emissions charge?

Use our ULEZ checker to find out if your vehicle is subject to ULEZ charges. Simply enter your number plate into the Honest John ULEZ checker to see if you will have to pay to enter the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Check your vehicle