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Subaru Forester Timing belt

30 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2013 at 2:33 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester

    

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 30 Timing belt by leslieo1

Jul 16, 2010 (9:24 am)

My mechanic has recommended changing the timing belt and the water pump as a preventative measure on my 1999 forester that has 90,000 miles . Is this a good recommendation and is $700 a reasonable price?

#2 of 30 Re: Timing belt [leslieo1] by rsholland

Jul 16, 2010 (11:37 am)

Replying to: leslieo1 (Jul 16, 2010 9:24 am)
On older Foresters, such as yours, I think the timing belt gets replaced every 60K. On newer Foresters, it's every 105K. Yes, the water pump gets replaced at the same time. As to price, that may be a bit high. I'd call some Subaru dealers to see what they recommend/charge.
 
Bob

#3 of 30 Re: Timing belt [rsholland] by xwesx

Jul 19, 2010 (11:54 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 16, 2010 11:37 am)
The cost of the parts needed for that work is about $250, so that quote includes ~$450 in labor. I would say the work itself is about 4-5 hours (for me, at least).

#4 of 30 Re: Timing belt [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jul 22, 2010 (11:16 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jul 16, 2010 11:37 am)
Actually, Bob, even my '98 called for inspection at 90k and replacement at 105k.
 
It would be early, but not a bad idea if you plan to keep the vehicle.

#5 of 30 Re: Timing belt [ateixeira] by leslieo1

Jul 22, 2010 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 22, 2010 11:16 am)
Thank you everyone for the answers to my questions! We called the dealership and they said replacement was due at 105,000 miles, but we decided to replace it anyway since my Mom is going to use the car for a couple of long trips. The dealership did the job for $400, and my Mom feels safe, a good bargin!
 
Thanks again for the advice!

#6 of 30 Re: Timing belt [leslieo1] by ateixeira

Jul 23, 2010 (8:41 am)

Replying to: leslieo1 (Jul 22, 2010 2:57 pm)
Yes, good deal, and peice of mind for your family.

#7 of 30 premature timing belt damage by nishtar

Jan 25, 2011 (7:26 am)

my 2007 forester 2.0 automatic has 29600miles on it. about 600 miles earlier, i had preventive maintenance/servicing done which include the replacement of aircon and fan belts. i was driving along the highway doing 55- 65 mph when the engine suddenly stopped and i cant crank it anymore. i had it towed to the dealer. inspections by the mechanic showed frayed timing belt and one of the bearings on the pulleys got damaged. they said these are the parts to be replaced and job to be done:
REPLACEMENT OF ALL ENGINE TENSIONERS
PULLEYS

PARTS
IDLER CPL BELT
* ADJUST BELT TENSIONER
* IDLER CPL BELT # 2
* BELT IDLER # 1
WATER PUMP
* TIMING BELT
ENGINE OVERHAULING
OVERHAULING GASKET
* INTAKE VALVES X 8
EXHAUST VALVES X 8
VALVE GUIDE X 16
MACHINE SHOP
my questions are:
1. do you think the earlier replacements of the fan and aircon belts contributed to the premature fraying of the timing belt?
2. timing belts need to be replaced around 100k miles, mine conked out at just 29k miles. what probably would have caused that problem? is it a basic defect on the engine? unfortunately, im already out of warranty and im looking to about 3500$ worth of expenses. 3. would it be better to continue with the repairs or just buy a new engine or replace it with a used one? thanks for the help

#8 of 30 Re: premature timing belt damage [nishtar] by xwesx

Jan 25, 2011 (10:18 am)

Replying to: nishtar (Jan 25, 2011 7:26 am)
1. No, I don't think the replacement of the accessory belts could have contributed to the timing belt failure.
 
2. Most likely a manufacturing defect or a problem with alignment when the belt was originally installed. How are you out of warranty? The drivetrain has a 5 year / 60,000 mile warranty. Even if you purchased your 2007 model at the very beginning of the model run, it could not have come into service before January 25th, 2006....
 
3. I would call 1-800-SUBARU3 and discuss the situation before doing anything else. This should be covered under warranty. Even if the car is out of warranty, there is a chance Subaru will help you out with this repair.

#9 of 30 Re: premature timing belt damage [xwesx] by paisan

Jan 28, 2011 (3:10 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jan 25, 2011 10:18 am)
That should all be covered under warranty.
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

#10 of 30 Re: Timing belt [leslieo1] by paisan

Jan 28, 2011 (3:13 pm)

Replying to: leslieo1 (Jul 22, 2010 2:57 pm)
Thank you everyone for the answers to my questions! We called the dealership and they said replacement was due at 105,000 miles, but we decided to replace it anyway since my Mom is going to use the car for a couple of long trips. The dealership did the job for $400, and my Mom feels safe, a good bargin!
  
Thanks again for the advice!
 
I'm sorry but I think the dealership took you for a ride. No dealership I know will replace what is necessary to be replaced for a timing belt for $400. The parts alone cost close to $400!
 
When we do a timing belt job at our shop here is what we do:
 
Timing Belt
Tensioner
All Idler Pulleys
Water Pump & Gasket
T-stat & Gasket
 
We charge $800 for the whole job and are considered fairly inexpensive.
 
http://azpinstalls.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=12- 2
 
-mike
Subaru Guru and Track Instructor

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