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Autopapyrus · Opel Mokka 1.8 (A18XER, 140 hp) (2014)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/opel/mokka/timing-belt-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Opel Mokka 1.8 (A18XER, 140 hp) (2014): Timing Belt Replacement

The A18XER engine is an interference engine: if the timing belt breaks, the pistons collide with the valves, resulting in costly repairs. Replacing the belt requires special locking tools to set the valve timing accurately, and the right engine mount must be removed to access the lower timing cover.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 2-3 hours Steps: 19 Tools: jack, jack stands, torque wrench, socket and wrench set 10-19 mm, TORX set, hex key, camshaft and crankshaft locking tools (JTC4712P or equivalent), pry bar

Parts

2
  • 🔩 Gates K015603XS timing kit (belt, tensioner pulley and idler pulley)
  • 🔩 or GM 24422964 belt + GM 55574864 pulley separately. Replacement interval: every 120,000 km or 6 years
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 3 more. See manuals →

Step by step

19 steps
  1. Remove the air filter housing and the intake duct to access the engine bay.
  2. Remove the 2 bolts of the upper timing cover and take the cover off.
  3. Raise the vehicle, then remove the right front wheel and the wheel arch liner.
  4. Place a jack under the engine oil pan with a wooden block between them.
  5. Loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt (to make this easier, engage 5th gear or lock the crankshaft with a locking pin through the hole in the clutch housing).
  6. Remove the crankshaft pulley and the accessory drive belt (release the tensioner and take the belt off).
  7. Remove the 6 bolts of the right engine mount (3 on the bracket, 3 on the mount body) and take the mount off.
  8. Remove the lower timing cover.
  9. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the marks on the camshaft sprockets line up with the slots in the camshaft bearing caps (both marks are notches on the sprocket faces pointing up).
  10. Install the two-piece camshaft locking tool (the bar fits into the slots of the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets at the same time).
  11. Lock the crankshaft with the locking pin through the hole in the clutch housing (it goes into the slot in the flywheel).
  12. Insert a hex key into the center of the tensioner pulley and turn it clockwise as far as it will go (this releases the belt tension).
  13. Remove the old timing belt, then unbolt the tensioner pulley and the idler pulley.
  14. Install the new idler pulley and tighten it to 20 N·m (15 lb-ft); then install the tensioner pulley and tighten it to 25 N·m (18 lb-ft).
  15. Fit the new belt in this order: crankshaft sprocket → idler pulley → intake camshaft sprocket → exhaust camshaft sprocket → tensioner pulley (keep the belt taut as you install it; there must be no slack).
  16. Turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise with the hex key as far as it will go (the pulley will tension the belt automatically).
  17. Remove the camshaft and crankshaft locking tools.
  18. Turn the crankshaft by hand 2 full turns clockwise and check that the marks line up. Reinstall the locking tools (they must slide in without force).
  19. Reassemble in reverse order: lower timing cover, right engine mount (tightening torque 50-60 N·m (37-44 lb-ft)), crankshaft pulley (torque 95-100 N·m (70-74 lb-ft)), accessory drive belt, wheel arch liner, wheel, upper timing cover, air filter housing.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • The A18XER engine is an interference type. If the belt breaks, the valves collide with the pistons, which bends the valves, damages the pistons and leads to a costly engine overhaul. Always replace the belt on schedule (120,000 km or 6 years) and use an original kit or certified aftermarket parts (Gates, INA, Contitech). Do not use homemade or poor-quality locking tools: being off by even 1 tooth will cause rough running, loss of power and increased fuel consumption. Before starting, inspect the timing area for signs of oil leaks (camshaft and crankshaft seals) and replace the seals if you find any seepage. Otherwise the new belt will soak up oil and fail prematurely.
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