How can you tell if a timing belt has been changed?

[Caveman_nige]

the wifes car that I brought last year came with no history. Its now has 73k miles and i my mind is due a full belt change plus rollers and water pump. Its a 2006 vec 1.8 Exclusive.

The thing is, it may already been done in its recent past and i have no wish to waste money doing them again. However i have no wish to take the risk of not doing them. Therefore to my main question, is there a way of checking to see if they have been done, is there anything that would visibly indicate that have been changed?

Its going into VX for its free inspection this friday to have the software updated the handbrake recall done.. I will ask them to check the belts etc, but they usually just come back with a list of things to do that I will do myself.

[DAVIDD88]

Sometime some mechanics write on the cover mate but if not then I would not chance it

[marktaylor]

I only ever believe it when I see a receipt or invoice for it , anyone can add one of those stickers or write
On the belt cover


Sent from my iPhone using My thumb

[appy]

by the time youve taken the cover off to check your half way there to changing it, its not an expensive job on the 1.8 so id just get it done and enjoy peace of mind.

[Ben50n]

If its a 1.8 VVT engine, cambelt change is at 100k.

[Caveman_nige]

i agree with you both, i can't see a sticker when i had a look. I will see what vx have to say but I imagine I will end up doing them myself sometime over the next month so I can be sure they are done..

Incidently, what is the recommended service interval/mileage where the belts and water pump should changed on these blocks, its not the VVT as far as i know, i think its the Z18XE. I always thought it should be around 70k to 80k, but thats when i had them done on my old veccy B and astra.

[yysnet]

Drive for 50k+ miles then may be able to tell LOL

[Das]

60k or 6 years for the Z18XE. If you take the cover off you just might find the original VX belt has been changed for a Gates or Conti Tech or other after market one.

[Caveman_nige]

60k or 6 years for the Z18XE. If you take the cover off you just might find the original VX belt has been changed for a Gates or Conti Tech or other after market one.

thats an idea.. I will have a peek later on this evening if the wife stops talking long enough for me to nip out to the car..

[Das]

The Part number for the Timing belt Kit is 93185845 btw. Expect to pay around the £60 mark off ebay or around £100 from the dealers.