Timing belt replacement: Opel Insignia 1.8 (A18XER)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 1.8, 16V

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool, locking pin

Don't miss

• Always check the timing marks before timing belt removal
• Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation
• The left mark should be slightly above the groove of the special tool

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Tensioner pulley:
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Remove the air filter outlet hose(s)
4. Always check the timing marks before timing belt removal
5. Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation

6. Remove the power steering pump belt
7. Crankshaft pulley
8. Remove the ancillary drive belt
9. Remove the ancillary drive belt tensioner
10. Remove the timing belt upper front cover
11. Fit the flywheel locking tool
12. Remove the crankshaft pulley
13. Remove the flywheel locking tool
14. Remove the timing belt lower front cover
15. Refit the crankshaft pulley bolt
16. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
17. Align the crankshaft timing marks
18. Fit the camshaft locking tool
19. Remove the front panel
20. Left-hand side
21. Check the timing marks
22. Note: The left mark should be slightly above the groove of the special tool
23. Fit the inlet camshaft locking tool
24. Right-hand side:
25. Check the timing marks
26. Note: Check the alignment
27. Fit the exhaust camshaft locking tool

Installation and checks

28. Tension the tensioner pulley
29. Use an Allen key
30. Lock the tensioner; use a locking pin
31. Fit the timing belt
32. Turn the tensioner pulley clockwise
33. Remove the tensioner locking pin
34. Release the tensioner
35. Remove the camshaft locking tools
36. Check the timing
37. Turn the crankshaft two rotations by hand
38. Left-hand side
39. Check the timing marks
40. Note: The left mark should be slightly above the groove of the special tool
41. Fit the inlet camshaft locking tool
42. Right-hand side:
43. Check the timing marks
44. Note: Check the alignment
45. Fit the exhaust camshaft locking tool
46. Check the crankshaft timing marks
47. Remove the crankshaft pulley centre bolt
48. Refit the timing belt lower front cover
49. Fit the flywheel locking tool
50. Refit the crankshaft pulley
51. Renew the crankshaft pulley bolt
52. Stage 1:
53. Stage 2:
54. Stage 3:
55. Remove the flywheel locking tool
56. Refit the timing belt upper front cover
57. Refit the ancillary drive belt tensioner
58. Refit the ancillary drive belt
59. Refit the power steering pump belt
60. Reconnect the mass airflow meter
61. Refit the air filter
62. Refit the air filter outlet hose(s)
63. Reconnect the battery

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