Astra H VXR Sprint

Gates Technical Information for Cambelt Timing on the Z20LEx 2.0 Turbo family of engines; Z20LET, Z20LEL, Z20LER and Z20LEH (Astra H VXR). This is not a ‘How To’ guide but gives additional technical information for those with enough mechanical competency to carry out a cam belt change.

Cambelt Change Cycle suggested by the manufacturer:
Z20LET :: 4 years* or 40,000 Miles*
Z20LEL :: 8 years* or 80,000 Miles*
Z20LER :: 8 years* or 80,000 Miles*
Z20LEH :: 8 years* or 80,000 Miles*
*Whichever occurs first.
Notes: The cambelt (timing belt), plastic inlet roller and tensioner are common between all the engines (i.e. the same parts). The only different is that the LEL/LER and LEH kits use a metal exhaust roller (LET uses a plastic exhaust roller). For this reason I would suggest a 6 years* or 60,000 Miles* change cycle as best practice. Always use a new tensioner retaining bolt.

What is Needed……
As well as a good toolkit, with a good selection of sockets, allen head sockets, and male torx sockets, a 15mm spanner (or similar) to release tension on the auxiliary drive belt and a 17mm ½” drive socket and ratchet (makes turning the engine over to check tension much easier), you will also need for the later engine a very high quality T40 Male Torx ⅜” drive socket and a Camshaft Locking Tool such as a Draper CLT2 (Ref: 69929) or CLT-GM2 (Ref:61276) or similar. Also a ¼” drive E10 female torx socket (a slim one) is useful for removing the timing belt cover bolt next to the tensioner once the tensioner is in the ‘rest’ position.

The T40 Torx is required on the later engines for tightening the cambelt tensioner retaining bolt. It has a very shallow head and if you are not careful the socket can slip and/or chew out the head of the bolt. I only use a Snap On torx for this particular tensioner retaining bolt because they are particularly strong, and it gets used for nothing else other than this particular bolt so it doesn’t get general wear and tear or other damage.

Example Camshaft Locking Tools:

Camshaft Locking Tool CLT2

Camshaft Locking Tool CLT-GM2

When changing the cam belt always check the water pump and replace if in any doubt, especially on later engines where the change cycle of the cam belt is longer.

Gates Technical Data Sheet on how to time up the engine: PDF – Timing Information (4.8Mb)
Note: You will need a PDF reader for this file

PDF – Timing Information

Remember the tensioner is tensioned ANTI-Clockwise!!

Timing Pointer – Correctly Tensioned

Note: E&OE. The above Technical Guidelines are provided for information only. No responsibility is accepted for damage, loss, injury or general stupidness. If you are not sure on exactly what you are doing when it comes to cambelt replacement, leave the job to a professional who does…. That is all.