How to Replace the Timing Belt on an Opel Astra 1.8 16V

To replace the timing belt on the Opel Astra with a 1.8 16v engine (engine code: C18XE), the operation is performed with the engine removed from the car in the video. The continental CT870 WP2 kit and the V04 toolbox are used; start by setting the engine timing, aligning the crankshaft pulley with the marking and rotating the camshaft until it aligns as well.

There is a notch on the crankshaft pulley that must align with the pin behind it (rotate the engine slowly). For the camshafts, there are two markings on each toothed wheel (inlet and outlet); for the left wheel, align the inlet notch with the upper marking, and for the right wheel, align the outlet notch with the upper marking; when they align, secure them with the locking tool marked "top". After removing the crankshaft pulley, check the rubber track; loosen the timing belt on the tensioner to remove it and disassemble the other components.

When reinstalling the water pump, ensure the notch and the boss on the pump align. Use only the supplied gasket for the water pump without additional paste, as it may detach and clog the circuit; pour only new fluid and perform a circuit flush.

For the tensioner roller, pay attention to the position (the roller has a boss that must fit into the notch on the engine); position the timing belt starting from the crankshaft in a clockwise direction following the transmission path, ending on the idler pulley.

Be careful with the roller, tighten the Allen bolt counterclockwise, and secure the roller until the indicator aligns with the edge.

The belt at the top will be slightly loose, as the shafts are unloaded and have dropped slightly, making it impossible to remove the locking tool; as soon as you manually rotate the engine, the shafts extend, allowing you to remove the locking tool and manually turn the engine forward two full turns, readjusting the timing and noticing that the belt tightens.

Initially, we applied too much tension to the belt, so rotate the roller counterclockwise with the Allen key until the indicator coincides with the "new" marking, then turn the engine forward and remove the locking tool; finally, recheck the timing, the tensioner roller, and finish reassembling everything.