Explain to me.. balance shaft kit, anything else recommended?

TheDave

Basically, just bought a 2.2 MK4 Astra, it has seemingly had some work last year such as a waterpump, thermostat and a "balance shaft, kit" but only have receipts for parts so I am just assuming a cash job was paid for labour or the owner did it himself.

I think I am sort of understanding that there are 2 chain set ups inside the engine?

Which is which, what does the balance shaft kit entail and is there anything else I should consider having replaced as milage is 125k now.

Is there a way of checking chain conditions and so on? No unusual noises or loud chain rattle etc.

jwalker

Timing chain life is 100k and I would have thought it'd have been changed at least once by now, the balance chain sits behind the timing chain and the timing chain would have had to come off first

TheDave

Ah ok, it's kinda making sense - thanks for your help 🙂 I will have to take a pic of the paperwork - I have a printout of a piece of paper which looks like a normal timing chain and a price of 228+VAT on it then a receipt from Perrys Vauxhall where the car was actually purchased from, for the balance shaft kit... confusing but the engine is very quiet and smooth for it's milage!

TheDave

This is the paperwork for the more major stuff last year in around June so not even 12 months ago... but it's for parts. I assume it's all fitted! lol

Balance shaft kit, thermostat, waterpump, coolant, oil change, and theres a pic of a timing chain kit on a piece of paper - I assume this is a regular timing chain kit anyway?

Not sure what to think, I am easily made paranoid, been out in it a bit today and am constantly listening for unusual timing chain noises, I expect you do hear very faint chain noise normally?