If you own an Alfa Romeo GTV it is important you replace the timing belt (cambelt) at or before the recommended service interval. If you don’t it greatly increases the chance of belt or tensioner failure, and if that happens you could be looking at a destroyed engine and a very expensive repair bill. In this quick guide we are going to tell you when to replace the timing belt on your 1995 to 2006 Alfa Romeo GTV, along with some other timing belt related info as well.
Table of Contents
Does the Alfa Romeo GTV have a Timing Belt or Chain?
As you can see from the info below, all the engines fitted to the 1995 to 2006 GTV are belt driven:
| Engine | Year Range | Timing Belt or Chain |
| 1.8 TS | 1995-2000 | Timing belt |
| 2.0 TS | 1995-2006 | Timing belt |
| 2.0 JTS | 2003-2006 | Timing belt |
| 2.0 V6 TB | 1995-2000 | Timing belt |
| 3.0 V6 12V | 1995-2000 | Timing belt |
| 3.0 V6 24V | 1997-2003 | Timing belt |
| 3.2 V6 24V | 2003-2006 | Timing belt |
When Does the Timing Belt Need to Be Replaced on an Alfa GTV?
Alfa Romeo originally specified that the belt needed to be replaced every 116,000 km (72,000 miles) or every 6 years. However, after a number of belt and tensioner failures Alfa Romeo halved this interval to 58,000 km (36,000 miles) or every 3 years for all engines in the GTV range.
| Engine | Year Range | Recommended Change Interval (KM) | Recommended Change Interval (Miles) | Change Interval (Time) |
| 1.8 TS | 1995-2000 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 2.0 TS | 1995-2006 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 2.0 JTS | 2003-2006 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 2.0 V6 TB | 1995-2000 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 3.0 V6 12V | 1995-2000 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 3.0 V6 24V | 1997-2003 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
| 3.2 V6 24V | 2003-2006 | 58,000km | 36,000mi | 3 years |
What Happens if the Timing Belt Breaks on an Alfa GTV?
Unfortunately, if a belt breaks or a tensioner fails it will almost certainly lead to severe engine damage as all power units in the GTV lineup are interference engines. To get a bit of an idea of health of both the belt and the tensioner, you can try to listen for any abnormal rubbing, squeaking, tapping, or ticking sounds originating from the timing belt area. The presence of such noises may signal that the belt and tensioner have surpassed their intended lifespan. However, if you want to get a good idea of the condition of the belt and tensioner they will need to be physically inspected (and then its probably better to just get them replaced).
What Else Should be Replaced with the Timing Belt?
You should replace the following components during a timing belt service on a 1995 to 2006 Alfa Romeo GTV:
- Tensioner
- Idlers
- Aux belt
- Water pump – replacing with a metal pump is quite common on some models like the 3.2-litre V6 car. This is because metal pumps for these cars tend to have a sturdier impeller for enhanced durability, increasing their lifespan and reducing the risk of failure.
To Sum Up
All models should have the timing belt replaced at or before 58,000 km (36,000 miles) or every 3 years. Every single engine in the range is interference, so if the belt or tensioner fails catastrophic damage will almost certainly occur. Lastly, the belt should be replaced along with the tensioner, idlers, Aux belt, and water pump.
