Timing belt autocheck?

[centrino]

There is some way to chack that the timing belt is in good condition? i buy recently a legacy of 1997 2.2, and have 107.000 km. and i don´t know if timing belt is the original or new. in the dealer, don´t know, and i need to know if Timing belt is in good condition, because the change is very expensive (500$)

 

 

Thanks.

[idosubaru]

the covers come off very easily, the right and left timing belt covers. only need a 10mm socket to remove them. you can inspect the belt this way.

 

a visual is the only thing you can do....or find the original owner. in the US you can find the previous owners information and call them up if you really wanted to.

 

if there is any doubt or you don't know, this is an interference motor and must be replaced. or you take the risk.

[centrino]

Thanks very much, in a volvo 850 that i have when i change the timing belt, the one used was in very bad conditions, cracks, hard rubber, i think the visual check is not the most secure, but maybe help me.... thanks again.

[idosubaru]

visual is all you can do, unless you can find the shop that worked on it or ask the previous owner for details. even so, i feel much better after doing the job myself and inspecting the bearings. some mechanics could case less what shape the bearings are in, it won't be their responsibility if the car fails in a year.

[rweddy]

Thanks very much, in a volvo 850 that i have when i change the timing belt, the one used was in very bad conditions, cracks, hard rubber, i think the visual check is not the most secure, but maybe help me.... thanks again.

 

$500 is way cheaper than a new motor. Visual is ok, but... one of my older Subaru's the belt looked perfect and snapped 2 days later. Better safe than sorry on an interference motor imo.

[Zephyr]

For the "above and beyond mechanic", a chilton's manual I own says the last step in changing the t belt would be to leave a piece of tape or a tag on the inside of the t belt cover that has the date/mileage of the maintenance.

[centrino]

For the "above and beyond mechanic", a chilton's manual I own says the last step in changing the t belt would be to leave a piece of tape or a tag on the inside of the t belt cover that has the date/mileage of the maintenance.

 

Thanks for all!!, i´ll try to find this indication, but i´m afraid that in Spain, not have this professional dealers...

[idosubaru]

agree with the above, i've replaced 90,000 mile timing belts that still said Subaru on them and looked *okay*. i would never trust a visual, there is really no alternative to replacing it, only mitigating risks and taking chances. until parts come with odometers attached there's no substitute for replacement. anything else is just taking a chance. you feeling luckY?