When do timing chains need changing

[ldavies]

Hi not a Saxo or a pug, looking at buying the Mrs a Vauxhall Astra 1.6 design petrol, 10 plate with 58k miles on it.
When do the timing chains need changing or are they recommended to last from 150k plus.
Are they known to be common to go on these engines.
Thanks

[stevo67]

Just did a quick search and some are saying they're belt driven ,some are saying they're chain driven and 80k is when you change the chain.

[GoManGo]

......

[Gandi699]

in theory a timing chain shouldnt need changing however vauxhalls system of tensioning the chain and the guides can become worn and rattly, and once this happens they need to be changing. The number one cause of this is lack of oil changes and low quality oil filters. Once the oil gets old and gunk builds in the tensioner and its oil feed holes it cant keep the chain in check, it gets loose and wears and thats when they arent snapping camshafts due to bolts not being tight or oil pumps failing.
Keep the oil fresh in it and a good quality oil filter and it'll be fine, I drop ours (z14xep) out at 3k which in this car takes anything from 6 months to year.

[Mickswan]

in theory a timing chain shouldnt need changing however vauxhalls system of tensioning the chain and the guides can become worn and rattly, and once this happens they need to be changing. The number one cause of this is lack of oil changes and low quality oil filters. Once the oil gets old and gunk builds in the tensioner and its oil feed holes it cant keep the chain in check, it gets loose and wears and thats when they arent snapping camshafts due to bolts not being tight or oil pumps failing.
Keep the oil fresh in it and a good quality oil filter and it'll be fine, I drop ours (z14xep) out at 3k which in this car takes anything from 6 months to year.

Amen, the Mrs has a Corsa. It was six months old with 10k on it when she got it.

Was serviced when we got it, but three months later I could hear the chain going so it was done under warranty. I change the oil every 3k and get genuine filters so they can't botch if it goes again before the warranty is up.

Even she says she'll not have another.

[ldavies]

Thanks guys well it turns out it's the newer Vauxhall Engine and has cam belt not timing chain.
I've always changed my cam belts every 60k or just before but I've heard that if the car is 7 years old or newer they now recommend every 10 years to change or every 100k which ever comes first.
Can anyone confirm that or is it still 60k.
Thanks

[VTR_Craig]

If it's the old shape then 10 years or 100k

Not too sure on the new design but the engines look exactly the same on both models