In April last year I had my 2002 Holden Astra City's 120,000 km logbook service done by my Holden dealer, during which the timing belt and tensioner were changed for the second time. Just eight months, less than 5000 km later the timing belt has failed. The reason for this is that the water pump bearings seized. The water pump was replaced at 68,151km in 2005 along with the timing belt and tensioner assembly during the 60,000 km service. My Holden service centre is asking for $420 just to have a look and assess the internal damage caused by the failure of the timing belt, and at this stage is indicating up to $3000 to fix any damage caused. What use are the recommended manufacturers? service schedules if this kind of thing can happen so easily and with such devastating consequences?
The harsh reality is that parts fail and cars break down, sometimes with disastrous outcomes as in your case. As the owner of an Astra you should be aware of the problem with timing belt failures and what can happen when one does fail, it’s well documented and has been extensively reported on here at Carsguide. Most mechanics will check the water pump when replacing the timing belt because they often find them leaking and they prefer to change the pump then rather than send the customer away knowing they will be back when the pump fails. I would have expected the mechanic to check the pump when doing the belt and tensioner, and like the previous Holden dealer, change it as a precaution at least.