[pgh_2.5i]

Hi fellow 4th gens! Taking a poll to see when you all decided to (or were required to) change your timing belt and water pump. Just a curious owner with 76,000 miles on the ODO trying to figure out when the best time is to do this service.

 

[Brucey]

Manufacturer recommendation is 105k.

I figure most would just say ~100k since it's an easy number to remember.

 

[thechad]

I used the AISIN TKF-006 kit. Changed it right at 80k. I didn't change the water pump, though. From what I've read they can last 200k and mine wasn't leaking, so I left it alone. An annoying rattling sound upon cold morning starts went away after changing all of that. Same results with the sound going away on an '08 I got for my son. We changed his at 100k.

 

[seagrass]

In Australia vehicles are scheduled for a timing belt change at 60,000 miles (100,000 Km’s) or if a 2010 or later model at around 72,000 miles (125,000 Km’s)

Subaru dealerships here only change the timing belt (not the idlers, tensioner and water pump) at 60,000 miles BUT at the scheduled 120,000 mile service they replace all components.

Seagrass

 

[OBDad]

I changed the timing belt at ~60k due to calendar elapse time (going by time based schedule in the factory maintenance schedule). I didn't bother replacing the water pump but I did all the timing belt idlers/tensioner and the thermostat, as well as the serpentine belt and idlers/tensioner.

 

[skjeflo]

96K, not because either needed it, but because I was doing head gaskets.

 

[scoobydoo2]

Changed around 100,000 miles (160,000km). Replaced timing belt, serpentine belt, thermostat, all idlers, tensioner and associated bits. Did not replace the water pump. Used all Subaru OEM parts. I figured they were good enough for the first 100,000 so they should be good enough for the second 100,000.

 

[brucep]

I believe the ACTUAL recommendation in NorthAmerica is 105K miles -or- 105 months.... whichever comes 1st.

This would mean most GEN4 OB (with EJ engine) [2012 is the last year] are reaching the time-limit if not the mileage.

 

[NoVASAC]

With the '13s, they have a timing chain...correct (FB25)? Do the chains need replaced at 105k? I assume the serpentine belt, pulleys, water pump, and tensioners... But the chains?

I'm approaching 100k and wanting to know what needs replaced.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[johnre]

This would mean most GEN4 OB (with EJ engine) [2012 is the last year] are reaching the time-limit if not the mileage.

Put more simply: Any North American Outback or Legacy that was ever equipped with a timing belt should have had its first timing belt change by now.

I believe the Impreza, Forester, WRX, and WRX STI may be the sole holdouts from Subaru here, having used the EJ25 engine much later than the Outback.

 

[seagrass]

With the '13s, they have a timing chain...correct (FB25)? Do the chains need replaced at 105k? I assume the serpentine belt, pulleys, water pump, and tensioners... But the chains?

I'm approaching 100k and wanting to know what needs replaced.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

No you do not change the timing chain in an FB25 engine as scheduled maintenance.

The timing chain and guides are normally replaced when the engine needs rebuilding.

Seagrass

 

[Cozmo85]

Our 2010 just rolled 202,500. gonna do our second belt at 210k. Did the first at 105k

 

[pgh_2.5i]

Put more simply: Any North American Outback or Legacy that was ever equipped with a timing belt should have had its first timing belt change by now.

I believe the Impreza, Forester, WRX, and WRX STI may be the sole holdouts from Subaru here, having used the EJ25 engine much later than the Outback.

Hmm, looking at the maintenance schedule I suppose you’re correct. My 2012 model is nearly at 105 months old or 8.75 years. I’m going to try to hold off until 85,000 miles and get it changed then.

 

[AWDFTW]

All of mine were changed by the age rather than miles, so 75-90K depending on the vehicle.

 

[Brucey]

Put more simply: Any North American Outback or Legacy that was ever equipped with a timing belt should have had its first timing belt change by now.

I believe the Impreza, Forester, WRX, and WRX STI may be the sole holdouts from Subaru here, having used the EJ25 engine much later than the Outback.

I think the Forester got the FB25B in 2011. I know there were some years through there that it had an FB25 and a 4EAT.

 

[HammEERman]

I think the Forester got the FB25B in 2011. I know there were some years through there that it had an FB25 and a 4EAT.

Correct, the Forester got the FB25B in 2011.

 

[hallux]

Had mine done at 101,000 miles and 108 months. Timing belt, tensioner, thermostat and water pump were all done at that time (but no idlers despite my ask to have them done regardless of condition but the "most experienced timing belt guy" said they were perfectly good still).

 

[johnre]

Hmm, looking at the maintenance schedule I suppose you’re correct. My 2012 model is nearly at 105 months old or 8.75 years. I’m going to try to hold off until 85,000 miles and get it changed then.

I have a bad feeling about this .......

 

[pgh_2.5i]

I have a bad feeling about this .......

Tying to maintain this thing on schedule while being unemployed is tough. I treat her well and change my fluids on a regular basis so 🤷‍♂️

 

[johnre]

Trying to maintain this thing on schedule while being unemployed is tough. I treat her well and change my fluids on a regular basis so ...

Understood; you can DIY if you have access to tools and reasonable mechanical skills - just look in the maintenance subforum for procedures / videos.