Timing Belt Replacement Interval Question - 1999 Subaru Forester

[Rasterman]

Hello All,

 

Been reading this forum for some time which has been an incredible help with my amateur knowledge of Subarus.

 

I have a 1999 Forester that's really getting up there in miles, currently at 277K. Had the timing belt changed at 258K back in October 2010.

 

As you can tell I haven't driven but 20K miles with this vehicle in the last 6 years, it was a backup vehicle for a long time and would only get run once a week for very short trips, mostly has been sitting in open air (no garage unfortunately).

 

I've done a lot of scouring over the internet and it seems there is a pretty wide range for the timing belt's replacement before it hits 105K miles.

 

I've read that the timing belt should be replaced anywhere from 5 - 8 years.

 

Since this was a replacement belt from a reputable mechanic and not a factory belt, am I overdue for a change or am I good for at least another year?

 

If it helps clarify I live less than 5 miles from where I work and don't plan on driving it much more than to and from work with a few stops on the way.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Edited August 25, 2016 by Rasterman

[montana tom]

The thing is if it breaks....it won't be cheap!  That said, if it was me I would pop off the easy belt cover and inspect the belt. Any checking ,cracking, all the printing worn off ... all are signs that its better done sooner than later . If you belt looks good chances are you have another year.

[forester2002s]

+1 on what MTom said.

Inspect the belt.

All you have to do is remove the left-side belt-cover. Just 3 screws will do it.

If there is any cracking of the belt, it will show up as transverse cracks on the back (smooth side) of the belt, particularly as it bends over the exposed cam-shaft pulley.

30 minutes maximum.

[Rasterman]

OK, I will definitely check it out, I feel quite foolish but I want to make sure I'm doing this right, is there a diagram I can reference to make sure I have the correct cover?

[forester2002s]

This PDF file is from the Factory Service Manual for a 2002 Forester, so should be similar to yours.

 

Piece (A) of the Belt-cover is the one to remove to expose the timing-belt; it is held in place with 3 screws (10mm hex-heads).

Piece B should be left in place; in any case, you cannot remove it without taking the lower crank-pulley off.

 

Good luck.

 

Edit: That file says to first remove the v-belts and the crankshaft-pulley. But you don't need to do that just to remove the (A) cover.

ME45 Belt Cover.pdf

Edited August 26, 2016 by forester2002s

[idosubaru]

The most important point hasn't been discussed:  have the timing components ever been replaced?  tensioner and 3 pulleys?

If not - they probably fail more often than belts which tend to be robust. 

 

timing belt replacement is 105,000 miles or 105 months

rubber components don't do great when they sit for extended periods of time, whether that short of time or frequency of driving is enough to compromise more than average I have no idea though. 

 

It's just statistics - like you have an 8% chance of the belt breaking in the next year and 17% chance of a pulley failing in the next year....made up numbers, but it's going to be something like that.  

so - you've got like an 80% plus chance of no issues too.  how do you view risk? 

 

if you replace it - get a timing kit with all new pulleys and tensioner.

[Rasterman]

Thanks again everyone for the information.

 

Checked the belt itself, no cracks or checking or other signs of wear, rubber still felt supple.

 

When the belt was last replaced the water pump and other timing components were replaced along with a new head gasket and resurfacing. I'm thinking I should be OK but definitely looking for advice on that.

 

Not making any odd noises and still seems to be driving great.

[Fairtax4me]

Subaru says 10 years or 105k, but I would only follow that rule if you use a Subaru belt and Subaru OE or OE equivalent idlers, tensioner, water pump, etc. 

For the aftermarket kits I tend to do a 60k interval like Subaru used to recommend on the early and mid 90's cars. 

I think you should be fine for at least another year or two.