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Engine

Timing belt tensioner, guide roller and covers (Turbo)

The factory steps for checking and adjusting the Turbo's timing belt tension, and for replacing the tensioner, the guide roller, the belt covers and the ribbed belt idler pulley, from the Vauxhall TIS.

vx220.info/guides/timing-belt-tensioner-guide-roller-and-covers-turbo · Last updated 25 October 2026

Applies to: VX220 and Speedster, TurboDifficulty: HardTime: Not stated

Tools

  • KM-6054
  • KM-662-C
  • KM-853
  • KM-904

Torques & specs

tensioner20 Nm
Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt6 Nm
Install ribbed V-belt tensioner25 Nm
Install crankshaft pulley20 Nm
Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt6 Nm
Install rear road wheel to right side90 Nm
Secure bolt 20 Nm20 Nm
Install, then secure 2x bolt 6 Nm6 Nm
Install, then secure 2x bolt 25 Nm25 Nm
Install 4x bolt 90 Nm90 Nm
Secure tensioner20 Nm
Secure rear road wheel90 Nm
bolt 20 Nm20 Nm
Install 2x bolt 6 Nm6 Nm
Install 2x bolt 25 Nm25 Nm
4x bolt, security bolt 90 Nm90 Nm
Install new guide roller for camshaft timing belt25 Nm
Install bolt 25 Nm25 Nm
Install 2x bolt to upper cover of camshaft timing belt 6 Nm6 Nm
Install 4x bolt 20 Nm using suitable spanner to counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket20 Nm
Install rear cover of camshaft timing belt to engine cylinder block8 Nm
Install support bracket to engine cylinder block45 Nm
Install engine mounting bracket to support bracket on engine cylinder block and damping block50 Nm
Install 2x camshaft pulley to 2x camshaft Note: Note position of locating pin on exhaust pulley.50 Nm
Install cylinder head cover to cylinder head8 Nm
Install ignition module to cylinder head8 Nm
Install 2x guide roller for timing belt25 Nm
Install crankshaft sprocket to crankshaft130 Nm
Secure rear road wheel to right side90 Nm
Install 3x screw, 2x bolt 8 Nm8 Nm
Install 2x bolt 45 Nm45 Nm
Install 3x bolt 50 Nm50 Nm
Install 2x new bolt 25 Nm25 Nm
Install new bolt 130 Nm + 45° – Counter-hold using KM-662-C130 Nm
Install new idler pulley for ribbed V-belt to accessory bracket20 Nm
Install 3x bolt, washer 20 Nm20 Nm
The steps below are shortened from the Vauxhall TIS pages for the Speedster. The VX220 shares the same engines and most of the car, but check anything unusual against your own car. The TIS pictures and the full wording aren't reproduced, so use the workshop manual if you are doing the job. We haven't seen owners' accounts of this job, so there are no owner tips here.

The belt change itself is in Turbo cam belt change. These are the related parts.

Belt tension: check and adjust

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Raise vehicle
  2. Remove engine undertray (Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  3. Lower vehicle
  4. Release windscreen wash reservoir (Pull off, then move to one side)
  5. Disconnect battery negative lead (Release nut, bolt)
  6. Release intercooler hose from throttle body (Release clip)
  7. Raise vehicle to suitable working height
  8. Remove rear road wheel from right side
    • Use special socket located under front bonnet
    • Remove 4x wheel bolt
  9. Remove liner from wheel arch (Remove 6x screw)
  10. Release intercooler hose from intercooler (Release clip; Remove, then discard 4x cable tie)
  11. Remove upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Remove 2x bolt; Pull off to release)
  12. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Use suitable spanner to rotate tensioner clockwise, then (Use suitable spanner to rotate tensioner clockwise, then install suitable locking pin)
  13. Remove crankshaft pulley
    • Apply match marks
    • Use spanner to counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft (Use spanner to counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket)
  14. Remove ribbed V-belt tensioner (Remove 2x bolt)
  15. Remove lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)
  16. Rotate crankshaft in normal direction of rotation to Top Dead Centre (TDC) on cylinder no. 1, until timing marks are aligned
  17. Check timing belt tensioner for correct adjustment Note: if pointer of tensioner does not align with corresponding notch mark, then carry out adjustment procedure (Ensure lugs are aligned)

Adjust

  1. Release tension from timing belt
    • Install Locking Tool KM-853 to
    • Release bolt, then turn adjusting eccentric in direction of
  2. Pre-tension timing belt
    • Turn eccentric of tensioner in direction of arrow
    • Remove Locking Tool KM-853 from
    • Rotate crankshaft two complete turns in normal direction of
    • Install Locking Tool KM-853 to
  3. Tension timing belt
    • Pointer for toothed belt tension roller aligns with the
  4. Tighten tensioner (Secure bolt 20 Nm; Remove Locking Tool KM-853)
  5. Rotate crankshaft two complete turns in normal direction of rotation to (TDC) on cylinder no. 1, until timing marks are aligned. If pointer of tensioner does not align with corresponding notch mark, then repeat adjustment procedure

Install

  1. Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Install, then secure 2x bolt 6)
  2. Install ribbed V-belt tensioner (Install, then secure 2x bolt 25)
  3. Install crankshaft pulley
    • Align match marks
    • Use spanner to counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft (Use spanner to counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket)
  4. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Use suitable spanner to rotate tensioner clockwise, then
  5. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Push on to secure; Install, then secure 2x bolt 6)
  6. Install intercooler hose to intercooler (Secure clip; Install, then secure 4x new cable tie)
  7. Install liner to wheel arch (Install, then secure 6x screw)
  8. Install rear road wheel to right side
    • Install 4x bolt 90 Nm
    • Use special socket located under front bonnet
  9. Lower vehicle
  10. Install intercooler hose to throttle body (Install, then secure clip)
  11. Connect battery negative lead (Secure nut, bolt)
  12. Install windscreen wash reservoir (Push fit)
  13. Program all volatile memories
  14. Raise vehicle
  15. Install engine undertray (Install, then secure 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  16. Lower vehicle

Tensioner

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Lower vehicle
  3. Disconnect battery negative lead
    • Release windscreen wash reservoir, then move to one side
    • Remove nut, bolt
  4. Disconnect intercooler hose from throttle body (Release clip)
  5. Raise vehicle to suitable working height and support
  6. Remove rear road wheel from left side
    • Use special socket located under front bonnet
    • Remove 4x wheel bolt
  7. Remove liner from wheel arch (Remove 6x screw)
  8. Remove intercooler hose from intercooler (Release clip; Remove 4x cable tie, then discard)
  9. Remove 2x bolt from upper cover of camshaft timing belt
  10. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Rotate tensioner clockwise, then install suitable locking (Rotate tensioner clockwise, then install suitable locking pin)
  11. Remove crankshaft pulley
    • Apply match marks to crankshaft pulley and crankshaft
    • Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket
  12. Remove ribbed V-belt tensioner (Remove 2x bolt)
  13. Remove lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)
  14. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to top dead centre (TDC) on cylinder No. 1, until 2x timing mark are aligned
  15. Lock camshafts in position (Use Locking Tool KM-853)
  16. Release tension from camshaft timing belt
    • Release bolt, then turn adjusting eccentric in direction of
  17. Remove camshaft timing belt from pulleys, move to one side
    • Do not remove camshaft timing belt from vehicle
  18. Remove tensioner for camshaft timing belt (Remove bolt)

Install

  1. Install new tensioner for camshaft timing belt (Install bolt, do not tighten)
  2. Install camshaft timing belt to pulleys
  3. Pre-tension camshaft timing belt
    • Turn eccentric of tensioner anti-clockwise until pointer is
    • Remove Locking Tool KM-853 from
    • Rotate crankshaft two complete turns (720°) clockwise to
    • Install Locking Tool KM-853 to
  4. Tension camshaft timing belt
    • Release tensioner bolt, then turn eccentric of tensioner
  5. Secure tensioner (Tighten bolt 20 Nm; Remove Locking Tool KM-853)
  6. Rotate crankshaft two complete turns (720°) clockwise to top dead centre (TDC) on cylinder No.1, until timing marks are aligned. If pointer of tensioner does not align with corresponding notch mark, then repeat adjustment procedure
  7. Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  8. Install ribbed V-belt tensioner (Install 2x bolt 25 Nm)
  9. Install crankshaft pulley
    • Align match marks on crankshaft pulley and crankshaft
    • Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket using (Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket using spanner)
  10. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then remove
  11. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  12. Install intercooler hose to intercooler (Secure clip; Install 4x new cable tie)
  13. Install liner to wheel arch (Install 6x screw)
  14. Install rear road wheel (Install 4x bolt, security bolt; Do not tighten)
  15. Lower vehicle
  16. Secure rear road wheel (Tighten 4x bolt, security bolt 90)
  17. Connect intercooler hose to throttle body (Secure clip)
  18. Connect battery negative lead (Install nut, bolt; Secure windscreen wash reservoir)
  19. Program all volatile memories
  20. Raise vehicle
  21. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  22. Lower vehicle

Guide roller

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Lower vehicle
  3. Disconnect battery negative lead
    • Release windscreen wash reservoir, then move to one side
    • Remove nut, bolt
  4. Disconnect intercooler hose from throttle body (Release clip)
  5. Raise and support vehicle
  6. Remove rear road wheel from right side
    • Use special socket located under front bonnet
    • Remove 4x wheel bolt
  7. Remove liner from wheel arch (Remove 6x screw)
  8. Remove intercooler hose from intercooler (Release clip; Remove 4x cable tie, then discard)
  9. Remove 2x bolt from upper cover of camshaft timing belt
  10. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Rotate tensioner clockwise, then install suitable locking (Rotate tensioner clockwise, then install suitable locking pin)
  11. Remove crankshaft pulley
    • Apply match marks to crankshaft pulley and crankshaft
    • Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket
  12. Remove ribbed V-belt tensioner (Remove 2x bolt)
  13. Remove lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)
  14. Rotate crankshaft clockwise to top dead centre (TDC) on cylinder No. 1, until 2x timing mark are aligned
  15. Lock camshafts in position (Use Locking Tool KM-853)
  16. Release tension from camshaft timing belt
    • Release bolt, then turn adjusting eccentric in direction of
  17. Remove camshaft timing belt from pulleys, move to one side
    • Do not remove camshaft timing belt from engine
  18. Remove guide roller for camshaft timing belt (Remove bolt)

Install

  1. Install new guide roller for camshaft timing belt (Install bolt 25 Nm)
  2. Install camshaft timing belt to pulleys
  3. Pre-tension camshaft timing belt
    • Turn eccentric of tensioner anti-clockwise until pointer is
    • Remove Locking Tool KM-853 from
    • Rotate crankshaft two complete turns (720°) clockwise to
    • Install Locking Tool KM-853 to
  4. Tension camshaft timing belt
    • Release tensioner bolt, then turn eccentric of tensioner
  5. Secure tensioner (Tighten bolt 20 Nm; Remove Locking Tool KM-853)
  6. Rotate crankshaft two complete turns (720°) clockwise to top dead centre (TDC) on cylinder No.1, until timing marks are aligned. If pointer of tensioner does not align with corresponding notch mark, then repeat adjustment procedure
  7. Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  8. Install ribbed V-belt tensioner (Install 2x bolt 25 Nm)
  9. Install crankshaft pulley
    • Align match marks on crankshaft pulley and crankshaft
    • Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket using (Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket using spanner)
  10. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Rotate tensioner clockwise, then remove locking pin
  11. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  12. Install intercooler hose to intercooler (Secure clip; Install 4x new cable tie)
  13. Install liner to wheel arch (Install 6x screw)
  14. Install rear road wheel (Install 4x bolt, security bolt; Do not tighten)
  15. Lower vehicle
  16. Secure rear road wheel (Tighten 4x bolt, security bolt 90)
  17. Connect intercooler hose to throttle body (Secure clip)
  18. Connect battery negative lead (Install nut, bolt; Secure windscreen wash reservoir)
  19. Program all volatile memories
  20. Raise vehicle
  21. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  22. Lower vehicle

Upper cover

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Remove 2x bolt from upper cover of camshaft timing belt
  3. Lower vehicle
  4. Remove upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Pull off to release)

Install

  1. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Push fit to secure)
  2. Raise vehicle
  3. Install 2x bolt to upper cover of camshaft timing belt 6 Nm
  4. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  5. Lower vehicle

Lower cover

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Remove 2x bolt from upper cover of camshaft timing belt
  3. Lower vehicle
  4. Remove upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Pull off to release)
  5. Raise vehicle
  6. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then (Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then Install suitable locking pin)
  7. Remove crankshaft pulley
    • Apply match marks
    • Remove 4x bolt, using spanner to counter-hold centre nut on
  8. Remove ribbed V-belt tensioner (Remove 2x bolt)
  9. Remove lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)

Install

  1. Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  2. Install ribbed V-belt tensioner (Install 2x bolt 25 Nm)
  3. Install crankshaft pulley (Align match marks; Install 4x bolt 20 Nm using)
  4. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then
  5. Lower vehicle
  6. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Push fit to secure)
  7. Raise vehicle
  8. Install 2x bolt to upper cover of camshaft timing belt 6 Nm
  9. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  10. Lower vehicle

Rear cover

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Lower vehicle
  3. Disconnect battery negative lead
    • Release windscreen wash reservoir, then move to one side
    • Release nut, bolt
  4. Disconnect intercooler hose from connecting pipe for throttle body (Release clip; Pull off)
  5. Raise vehicle to suitable working height
  6. Remove rear road wheel from right side
    • Use special socket located under front bonnet
    • Remove 4x wheel bolt
  7. Remove wheel arch liner, right rear (Remove 4x screw, 2x clip)
  8. Remove intercooler hose from intercooler (Release clip; Remove, then discard 4x cable tie)
  9. Remove upper front cover for timing belt (Remove 2x bolt; Pull off)
  10. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then (Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then Install suitable locking pin)
  11. Remove crankshaft pulley
    • Apply match marks to crankshaft pulley and crankshaft
    • Counter-hold centre bolt on crankshaft sprocket
  12. Remove ribbed V-belt tensioner (Remove 2x bolt)
  13. Remove lower cover for timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)
  14. Rotate crankshaft in normal direction of rotation to Top Dead Centre (TDC) on cylinder no. 1, until timing marks are aligned
  15. Lock camshafts in position (Use Locking Tool KM-853)
  16. Release tension from timing belt
    • Release bolt, then turn adjusting eccentric clockwise in
  17. Remove timing belt from pulleys (Position timing belt to one side)
  18. Remove crankshaft sprocket from crankshaft (Counter-hold using KM-662-C)
  19. Remove tensioner for timing belt (Remove bolt)
  20. Remove 2x guide roller for timing belt (Remove 2x bolt)
  21. Lower vehicle
  22. Disconnect harness connector from ignition module
  23. Remove ignition module cover from cylinder head (Slide off)
  24. Remove ignition module from cylinder head (Remove 2x bolt)
  25. Disconnect harness connector from camshaft sensor
  26. Disconnect 3x breather hose from cylinder head cover
  27. Remove cylinder head cover (Remove 10x bolt; Remove, then discard 10x 'O' ring; Remove, then discard gasket)
  28. Remove 2x camshaft pulley from camshaft Note: Note position of locating pin on exhaust pulley.
    • Discard 2x bolt (Counter-hold camshaft at hexagon with open end of spanner; Second technician required)
  29. Raise vehicle to suitable working height
  30. Install and set Engine Support Tool KM-6054, use with Adapter KM-904 (Support engine)
  31. Remove engine mounting bracket from support bracket on engine cylinder block and damping block (Remove 3x bolt; Remove nut)
  32. Remove timing belt from vehicle
  33. Remove support bracket from engine cylinder block (Remove 2x bolt)
  34. Remove rear cover of camshaft timing belt from engine cylinder block (Remove 3x screw, 2x bolt)

Install

  1. Install rear cover of camshaft timing belt to engine cylinder block (Install 3x screw, 2x bolt 8 Nm)
  2. Install support bracket to engine cylinder block (Install 2x bolt 45 Nm)
  3. Install timing belt to vehicle Note: Note rotational direction of timing belt.
  4. Install engine mounting bracket to support bracket on engine cylinder block and damping block (Install 3x bolt 50 Nm; Install nut 50 Nm)
  5. Remove Engine Support Tool KM-6054 and Adapter KM-904 from engine
  6. Lower vehicle to suitable working height
  7. Install 2x camshaft pulley to 2x camshaft Note: Note position of locating pin on exhaust pulley.
    • Second technician required (Counter-hold camshaft at hexagon with open end of spanner)
  8. Install cylinder head cover to cylinder head (Install 10 x new 'O' ring, new gasket; Install 10x bolt 8 Nm)
  9. Connect 3x breather hose to cylinder head cover
  10. Connect harness connector to camshaft sensor
  11. Install ignition module to cylinder head (Install 2x bolt 8 Nm)
  12. Install ignition module cover to cylinder head (Slide on)
  13. Connect harness connector to ignition module
  14. Raise vehicle to suitable working height
  15. Install 2x guide roller for timing belt (Install 2x new bolt 25 Nm)
  16. Install tensioner for timing belt (Install bolt)
  17. Install crankshaft sprocket to crankshaft (Counter-hold using KM-662-C)
  18. Check timing marks are aligned
  19. Lock camshafts in position (Use Locking Tool KM-853)
  20. Install timing belt to pulleys
  21. Pre-tension timing belt
    • Turn eccentric of tensioner in direction of arrow
    • Remove Locking Tool KM-853 from
    • Rotate crankshaft two complete turns in normal direction of
    • Install Locking Tool KM-853 to
  22. Tension timing belt
    • Release tensioner bolt, then turn eccentric of tensioner in
  23. Secure tensioner (Secure bolt 20 Nm; Remove Locking Tool KM-853)
  24. Rotate crankshaft two complete turns in normal direction of rotation to (TDC) on cylinder no. 1, until timing marks are aligned. If pointer of tensioner does not align with corresponding notch mark, then repeat adjustment procedure
  25. Install lower cover of camshaft timing belt (Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  26. Install ribbed V-belt tensioner (Install 2x bolt 25 Nm)
  27. Install crankshaft pulley
    • Align match marks
    • Counter-hold centre nut on crankshaft sprocket
  28. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Use suitable spanner to rotate tensioner clockwise, then remove
  29. Install upper cover of camshaft timing belt (Push fit; Install 2x bolt 6 Nm)
  30. Install intercooler hose to intercooler (Secure clip; Install 4x new cable tie)
  31. Install liner to wheel arch (Install 4x screw, 2x clip)
  32. Install rear wheel to right side (Install 4x bolt, security bolt; Do not tighten)
  33. Lower vehicle
  34. Secure rear road wheel to right side (Tighten 4x bolt, security bolt 90)
  35. Install intercooler hose to throttle body (Secure clip)
  36. Connect battery negative lead (Secure nut and bolt)
  37. Install windscreen wash reservoir (Push fit)
  38. Program all volatile memories
  39. Raise vehicle
  40. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  41. Lower vehicle

Ribbed belt idler pulley

Turbo (Z20LET) only.

Remove

  1. Remove engine undertray (Raise vehicle; Remove 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  2. Remove ribbed V-belt
    • Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then (Using suitable spanner rotate tensioner clockwise, then Install suitable locking pin)
  3. Remove hose from turbocharger and intercooler (Release 2x clip; Remove, then discard cable tie)
  4. Remove idler pulley for ribbed V-belt from accessory bracket (Remove 3x bolt, washer)

Install

  1. Install new idler pulley for ribbed V-belt to accessory bracket (Install 3x bolt, washer 20 Nm)
  2. Install ribbed V-belt
    • Use suitable spanner to rotate tensioner clockwise, then remove
  3. Install hose to turbocharger and intercooler (Install new cable tie; Secure 2x clip)
  4. Install engine undertray (Install 13x bolt, 13x washer)
  5. Lower vehicle

Sources & credit

Written up from these owners' original posts. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Timing Belt Tension, Check and Adjust (Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Tensioner, Camshaft Timing Belt, Replace (Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Guide Roller, Camshaft Timing Belt, Replace (Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Timing Belt, Upper Cover, Replace (Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Timing Belt, Lower Cover, Replace (Z 20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Camshaft Timing Belt, Rear Cover, Replace (Z20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS
  • Vauxhall TIS: Idler Pulley, Ribbed V-Belt, Replace (Z20 LET) by Vauxhall TIS

Last updated 2026-10-25

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