timing belt replacement

mark81 · Post by **mark81** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 12:26 pm

I have just had my timing belt replaced by my dealer. However after my local mechanic advised I should have had the full kit including tensioners and water pump replaced. They advised on a 2007 Impreza that they have never seen a water pump and tensioners last more than 160,000km. Is this right?

To me I think its the mechanic trying to get more money out of me. I went back to the subaru dealer and they said there is no need to replace those parts in the 125,000km service. They will need to be replaced the second time round.
If they do need replacing, will we know before any major damage is caused, ie. does tensioner start making noises etc.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:38 pm

As per manufacture specs, it's not required unless signs of fatigue is showing but for peace of mind, I'd change it.

Saying that, if you use (and have only used) Subaru coolant, then you should get 250,000kms out of the genuine water pump.

Gannon · Post by **Gannon** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:11 pm

I replaced the water pump in my outback at 200,000kms because I figured it would be worn/corroded impeller, but it looked like it was hardly used. I've actually kept it as a spare. Not a bad idea to replace the idlers, and the cam and crank shaft seals while you have the timing gear off.

Post by **yarney** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:46 pm

Most of the time if a timing belt goes it's the idlers or tenisioner not the belt replace the lot and you don't have to worry about it. it's peace of mind

Jan

mark81 · Post by **mark81** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 6:48 pm

having said all this, can anyone give me a rough estimate as to the price of all these tensionsers etc, and will the timing belt have to come off again to replace them all.
I understand labour will be the major component to.

littlewhiteute · Post by **littlewhiteute** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 7:09 pm

To replace any component that is near the timing belt, ( idlers, tensioner assembly, water pump, or any seal) you're doing a timing belt job and the belt has to come off.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:50 pm

rule of thumb has been replace tensioners every second belt change - everyone is gonna have their opinions and reasons why.