Page 1 of 4

Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:53 pm
by db1
Hi All,

I've got my 125k service coming up and wanted to find out if there is anything else should be done whilst the timing belt is replaced? I've read that the its a good idea to replace the water pump, maybe cam gears. Is there anything else?

Cheers Guys


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok so the point of this thread was to establish what else could be done whilst the timing belt is being replaced. As it is fairly labour intensive just to get to the timing belt, it is probably a good idea to replace other components at the same time, as A)this should not affect the cost of labour and B) as a preventative maintenance approach for the longevity of the engine.
I’ll list what options are available and what costs are involved. My service was done by a Subaru Stealership, so costs will be on the expensive side. You shouldn't have to pay more than what I have paid.

So the cost of the 125k service is a little under $1000 but Caution has been quoted just shy of $700 for his service.

The general consensus seems to be that at the very least the water pump and thermostat should be replaced. Aftermarket high flow water pumps can be considered,(apparently Phat has one that has a better impeller design?)but from my understanding OEM does the job just fine. Cost of OEM ~$150. Rising Sun has the water pump for $110 no mention of thermostat.

Next I'd consider replacing the hydraulic tensioner and idler pulleys. Some info here and here. All this comes in a kit. Cost for the kit $425 from rising sun, although Bumpty got it for $400. The kit is missing a small idler puller which may only apply to turbo models(its listed as idler pulley turbo on my invoice) and has to be purchased additionally about $70-$80 Part no. 13073AA200

Gears and seals. These can be considered as well although the gears are not a wear type component and don't really need replacing. As for the seals, apparently Subaru have used a Viton over rubber compound and are not prone to leaks, they may last up to 300k.

I'll leave this here for now, it's getting late. There's certainly more to consider, adjustable cams, lightweight pulley, OCV's, but I think the above is probably the most important for now. I know I've missed stuff so if anyone else has anything to add let me know and I'll add it.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:43 am
by imania
I had the water pump done, only an extra $100 or so, no real added labour and gives you peace of mind for another 100-125k before you do your next change (if that's at all likely for anyone)

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 8:26 pm
by bosc0
I'm doing water pump and thermostat. Cheap as parts.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 9:23 pm
by db1
And that's all you'll be doing Jake?

I found an American site and they recommend changing the idler tensioner and pulleys.

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-su ... one-right/

http://allwheeldriveauto.com/subaru-rep ... explained/

Quite a bit of info on their site and reading through their comments, they seem quite helpful and upfront, so I may consider those as well.
More googling I guess.

Anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 10:40 pm
by seanmau5
I had mine done in April. Timing belt, tensioner, water pump & AC/alternator belts.. As recommended by the mechanic.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:04 am
by bosc0
db1 wrote:And that's all you'll be doing Jake?
I found an American site and they recommend changing the idler tensioner and pulleys.


I was under the impression that these are a part of the Timing Belt Kit, it's not just the belt.

AC/alternator belts are also not a bad idea.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:15 am
by bass_straitener
I'll dig out my invoice for the timing belt service and PM it to you.

Has all the parts required.

You buy the timing belt kit, an additional pulley and gasket that doesn't come with it, that needs to be done.

Consider the water pump and thermostat for safety.

I also did the cam gears as mine were in their way out.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:45 am
by db1
I guess it depends which kit is supplied. Eg this kit comes with water pump as well
http://www.fcpimport.com/products/subar ... t-tckwp328
I'll ring up and clarify which kit is used.
bass_straitener wrote:I'll dig out my invoice for the timing belt service and PM it to you.

Has all the parts required.

You buy the timing belt kit, an additional pulley and gasket that doesn't come with it, that needs to be done.

Consider the water pump and thermostat for safety.

I also did the cam gears as mine were in their way out.

Thanks Bruce that'd be good.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:53 am
by Kekotic
bass_straitener wrote:I'll dig out my invoice for the timing belt service and PM it to you.

Has all the parts required.

You buy the timing belt kit, an additional pulley and gasket that doesn't come with it, that needs to be done.

Consider the water pump and thermostat for safety.

I also did the cam gears as mine were in their way out.


What was the damage all up including labour?

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 10:15 am
by bass_straitener
Here's a list of what I had done.

Please ignore the pricing as I'm sure there will be variance depending on where you get the work done.

Cheers

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 12:59 pm
by bosc0

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 1:18 pm
by bass_straitener


Nice price. Unfortunately the Gates belts have a tendency to stretch from speaking to people.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 1:28 pm
by db1
I was quoted just under $600 for the OEM kit by Subaru. So even if you bought that kit and used an OEM belt, you'd still be in front. Makes you wonder though?

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 2:23 pm
by bass_straitener
db1 wrote:I was quoted just under $600 for the OEM kit by Subaru. So even if you bought that kit and used an OEM belt, you'd still be in front. Makes you wonder though?


I got charged $513 for my kit for being a member of the wrx club in Vic.

Re: Timing Belt service, Anything Else?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 06, 2013 5:09 pm
by Bumpty
My local Subaru in Tas gave me the best price for my timing belt kit..