When to change my Astra 1.4's timing belt?

Hi,

When should I change the timing belt on an my 2003 Opel Astra 1.4? I've been told figures ranging from 40,000- to 100,000 miles so really need to get a definitive answer.

Thanks

Garry

Garry Zancanaro (Ballinasloe)

Jun 2020 Filed under: servicing

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Expert answer

Hi Garry,

I reckon the confusion comes from the fact that Opel changed the interval around the 2002/2003 model year. For the earlier cars, the interval is every 60,000km or four years (whichever comes first), but it changed to 90,000km or six years from 2003 on.

And just to confuse things further, there was a version of the 1.4-litre engine made from 2003 that used a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The engine code for that is Z14XEP, where the timing belt engine is Z14XE.

It is possible, of course, that your car was a 2002 model year in terms of manufacture, even if it was not registered until 2003, so I'd suggest being cautious.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D