How often should a Timing Belt be changed in Cateras?

[k0yla]

I have been reading up on the Cateras, and it appears as if the Timing Belt is a usual maintenance item.
Having said that, what are the symptoms that you need the belt changed?
Furthermore, how many clicks does the orginal Timing belt last?
I have a 2000 Catera.

[ariza034]

every 60k-80k miles

[Po Pimp]

The concenus I have seen on the Opel forums is that it is 4 years or 40,000 miles which ever comes first.

I had some concerns with my 97' after I got it. According to the print out I got at the dealership it was done once at 38,xxx miles and the again at 79,xxx miles. I am not certain whether the first one had to do with the recall or not.

I guess I am not really sure if the later ones need to be held to this or not.

[k0yla]

thanks guys.
i guess it is due in my car, considering it's got 120,000km.
unless of course, the previous owner was generous enough to have done it, which i highly doubt, considering i bought mine with only 50,000km.
is it an easy job?

[k0yla]

question for you guys, when changing the timing belt, should i be just changing the timing belt, or the tensioner pulleys as well? (the kit that's available at rockauto.)

[Vesicant]

Originally Posted by k0yla

question for you guys, when changing the timing belt, should i be just changing the timing belt, or the tensioner pulleys as well? (the kit that's available at rockauto.)

Yes replace the belt and tensioners.

[k0yla]

Originally Posted by JefferyG

Yes replace the belt and tensioners.

the kit is $300, i am sure the labor at the dealership is twice as much.
meaning every 40k = a grand.
damn.

[graphicsman]

You can also see if a Saab dealer/independent shop or a Saturn dealer/independent shop will do it. The Saturn L200(?) and one run of Saabs has the same engine, but you will likely have to convince the shop of that and to work on your car. The timing belt at the stealerships here in San Jose, CA are ~$1k.