Warning 2 - Faulty GF50 idler wheel

Figure 1
The GF50 idler wheel

Figure 2
Location of the GF50 idler wheel - Click for a larger view

Figure 3
Vauxhall memo - Click for a larger view

Figure 4
BBC Watchdog 14/05/99 Article

Figure 5
BBC Watchdog Update 21/05/99 Article

Figure 6
Parts you need - Click for a larger view

Figure 7
A new GF-25 idler wheel - Click for a larger view

Figure 8
Faulty GF50 wheel - Click for a larger view

Attention all Vauxhall owners, particularly drivers of Astras, Fronteras, Cavaliers, Omegas, Vectras, Tigras, Corsas and Calibras manufactured between 1993 and 1996. Your engine could be at risk because a tiny part worth just £17.60 may be defective. If this wheel breaks, it can cause the engine to seize up, and affect the power steering and brakes too. The result could be an expensive £3,000 worth of engine re-build. Not good news is it?

"So what's the problem" you may ask? The problem is with a small GF50 idler wheel (Figure 1), which can just disintegrate with no prior warning! This is situated within the cam belt network (Figure 2 item 3). Idler wheels keep the valves and pistons synchronised but when they disintegrate engine parts can grate against each other and cause serious damage. As the belt no longer turns, the brake servo fails (no brakes) and so does the PAS (loss of steering).

Vauxhall have known about this problem since late 1997 but did not tell dealers until October 1998. It also appears that many customers are still in the dark and they have had no warnings, unless the cars were fitted with 1.4 and 1.6 16 valve ECOTECH engines in 1997, of whom they wrote to warn them of the idler wheel. Vauxhall has said that they will only issue a full recall where there is a fault affecting "prime safety". That's brakes and steering. Vauxhall owners with concerns can call the Support Centre on 01582 427200.

Although the fault was identified by Vauxhall in 1997, it was not until October 1998 that a memo was sent to dealers asking them to check which type was fitted to their customers cars (Figure 3). Dealers were asked to replace the plastic-coated GF50's with a new plastic wheel only if a car came in for a replacement cam belt. But research done by the BBC's Watchdog has discovered disturbing short comings in the Vauxhall memo. Vauxhall only admitted to dealers that the faulty wheel was fitted in cars made between 1993 and 1996.

The Vehicle Inspectorate Executive Agency are anxious to hear from any Vauxhall owner who has been having problems with this idler wheel. You can call on 0117 954 3300, or email on mroberts@via.gov.uk.

Information and articles that this report has been based on, have either come from word of mouth or the BBC's Watchdog web site. The article's themselves are the Vauxhall Watchdog 14.05.99 and VAUXHALL UPDATE Watchdog 21.05.99.

"What do I need to fix the problem?"

Your local garage can change the idler wheel very easily. Most change the idler wheel and pully wheels when they fit a new cam belt anyway. Infact this is the best time to fit one, when the next major service is due. But because these plastic idler wheels can shatter at any time, I would strongly suggest you get it chaged as SOON AS POSSIBLE.

So what parts do you need; a new cam belt, GF-25 ideler wheel, second pulley (optional) and a new fan belt (optional). The two optional items were listed because as you'll taking these items off to do the change, you might as well fit new items while your at it. Figure 2 shows the GF-25/50 idler wheel (item 3) and the pully wheel (item 1).

The list below shows the Vauxhall part numbers and these were for a 16v 1993 Calibra (as shown in Figure 6). Also the prices given include VAT but a discout of 15% was given due to VPCC membership:

You may notice that the fan belt wasn't included, this is because I didn't buy it at Vauxhall as it was cheaper to buy a uni-part. The whole lot came to around £50. I then went to my local garage and just wanted the labour to fit it, as I supplied the parts they charged only £50 for it. So what has just cost £100 has saved me a new engine. Oh and by the way, yes my engine DID have the GF-50 wheel (Figure 8). And my Calibra has the XE 2L 16v in a K reg (1993) car. So get yours done without delay.