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has anyone replaced a timing belt on a Subaru 2.5l turbo engine?

jlee

jlee

Lifer
Mine is due asap (...60 miles to go, 04 Forester XT) - so I'm trying to decide if I want to tackle it myself (~$600) or pay someone (~$1000). I have another vehicle so down time isn't an issue, but it's an interference engine and I've also never worked on a Subaru before...

So, any tips? I'm tempted to dive into it anyway...worst case, I give up and pay for a tow to a garage...
 
I've done timing belts on intereference engines before, though not that one... is this the 2.5T engine in question? The biggest issue is usually access to the timing components and not the components themselves - if you have half decent mechanical aptitude and are fairly meticulous about making timing reference marks, it's not too daunting of a job.

$600 seems ridiculous for parts for a complete DIY timing belt job. I recently did my '00 V6 Passat and the parts cost was less than $250 shipped to my door - that included timing and serpentine belts, water pump, thermostat, idler and tensioner pulleys, tensioner, plus 3 liters of replacement G12 coolant. Are you including the cost of your own time into that figure? If it's a common engine, I can't see why the parts would be so absurdly expensive.
 
Yeah, where are you getting $600 from? Get in touch with the guys at http://www.fredbeansparts.com - they are a standup crew with the best prices in OEM parts around.

Yeah, getting access to the belt is a pain, being a flat engine. Then you have to essentially lock down the cams so they don't move, swap the belt, and reassemble everything.

It is not a simple task, but maybe you have a bit more room in the Forester engine bay?

If you haven't found a Forester forum yet, I'm sure you can find a walkthrough on Legacygt.com.

It all depends how much time you have on your hands. If I was faced with doing my timing belt right now, I would probably pay someone to do it. I just don't have the time to spend on something that big right now.

But you also have another vehicle, and given your profession you have more consecutive amounts of free time than most 😉
 
$600 seems very high for parts, rock auto has a kit that even includes a water pump for less than $260 for your car.
 
These are discounted prices from a Subaru dealer at SubaruForester.org - I am expecting to replace a lot of stuff:

2004-2008 Forester 2.5L DOHC Turbo
Timing Belt: 13028AA240 - $115.00
Idlers:
13073AA142 - $57.50 x 2 (smooth)
13085AA080 - $62.95 x 1 (tooth)
13073AA230 - $60.50 (smooth)
Tensioner: 13033AA042 - $115.00
Crank Seal: 806733030 - $6.59
Cam Seals:
806742160 - $4.58
806732160 - $4.58
Water Pump:
21111AA240 - $107.50 (2004-2007 XT)
Pump Gasket: 21114AA051 - $3.00
Thermostat: 21200AA072 - $13.00
Thermo Gasket: 21236AA010 - $2.65
Click to expand...

Checking Fred Beans, I found this for $385:
-Complete Kit (T-Belt, Tensioner, All Idlers / Pulleys, & Water Pump)

2005-2009 Subaru Legacy GT, 2006-2007 WRX, 2004+ STi
Click to expand...

...which is, needless to say, way cheaper. They annoy me, though...no love for the Forester - there's not even an option to find parts for one, even though it's the same engine! 🙁

Thanks!!!
 
If you can pay $400 for labor I think it sounds like you're gonna want to do that. Replacing a dozen parts in the engine and only being charged $400 sounds like a good deal. I might try a timing belt job with a proper service manual (not a Haynes!) but not if it only saved $400.
 
Yep rockauto has the Dayco kit and such for less.

Timing Belt $53
Timing parts $185
Water pump (NEW-Bosch) $97 (with gasket)
Thermostat $5
Cam Seals $3.40 (Exhust) $4.84 (Intake)
Crank Seal $3

$351 plus shipping minus 5% for coupon.
Don't forget to check/change the oil, coolant hoses, Rad cap, etc...


Hardest part for that type of car is getting all the stuff out of the way. Onec the engine bay has been "cleaned" up then yopu can get right to it since it faces the front and not the side like most FWD car.

From what I have read I believe you can probable do it since you have time and can get a manual for it like haynes or such. Just make sure you can get the tool or find out how to hold the cam pulleys from moving. Usually not that hard but must be done.
 
really now $1000 to get it done... what does dealerships want then?

Ive seen DIY didn't read it all but it kinda scares me a little bit, i would easily pay a shop $600-800 for it but the $1000 is what makes me want to look into it and do it myself. All my belt jobs i've done were on interference motors, nothing crazy or hard but the engine layout is right infront but so weird.

I think you need a cam sproket tool. or something i saw a tool on there tho.
 
T2urtle said:
really now $1000 to get it done... what does dealerships want then?

Ive seen DIY didn't read it all but it kinda scares me a little bit, i would easily pay a shop $600-800 for it but the $1000 is what makes me want to look into it and do it myself. All my belt jobs i've done were on interference motors, nothing crazy or hard but the engine layout is right infront but so weird.

I think you need a cam sproket tool. or something i saw a tool on there tho.
Click to expand...

Timing belt alone is $440 at the dealer. Add $185 for tensioner, $185 for water pump, and $185 for the rest of the 105k service, totaling $995. That does not include replacing cam seals and idler pulleys.

It's supposed to be a 5hr job. I've pulled an exhaust manifold from an MR2...this is WAY easier to reach - right at the front of the engine.

I have a second vehicle, so downtime is not as much of a concern as it is for most people.
 
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I've had to have the Timing belt off once, but never a full replace. I *think* I have access to the full factory service manual electronically for '07 Impreza/WRX/STI, so if that would help let me know and I can see if I can find it again.

Most of the work is clearing the way, moving the accessories, pulling the RAD and getting access to the belt. Once it is exposed, there is a ton of room to work.
 
kami333 said:
I've done it twice, not hard, just plan on spending a weekend.

http://www.scoobymods.com/diy-subaru-wrx-sti-t12617.html?

And pull the radiator. Makes it a lot easier.
Click to expand...

I'm tempted to replace the radiator..it's a little bent on one side, but it's not leaking and I'm broke...so maybe I'll try to keep it for a while. I'll definitely drop it, though - will give me a lot more room and I plan on changing the coolant anyway.

RedRooster said:
I'd pay someone. At least you have someone to bitch to and warranty on labour if anything goes wrong.
Click to expand...

Paying someone for something I can do, especially now that I have a garage, is practically against my religion! 😛
 
Is Subaru moving to a timing chain anytime soon? I know the belt vs. chain has been discussed ad nauseum, but just curious if Subaru is going down this path (or maybe already is?).
 
ExarKun333 said:
Is Subaru moving to a timing chain anytime soon? I know the belt vs. chain has been discussed ad nauseum, but just curious if Subaru is going down this path (or maybe already is?).
Click to expand...

Not that I've heard. The belt doesn't bother me too much, really - 105k service interval, so this is probably the first/last time this engine will need it, unless I make it to 210k without blowing something up or getting a newer car. 😛
 
ExarKun333 said:
Is Subaru moving to a timing chain anytime soon? I know the belt vs. chain has been discussed ad nauseum, but just curious if Subaru is going down this path (or maybe already is?).
Click to expand...

Their larger 6 cylinder engines (EZ30 found in H6 Outbacks, EZ36 in Outback/Tribeca) use a timing chain. I don't think they'll ever go that way for the smaller ones.
 
ExarKun333 said:
Is Subaru moving to a timing chain anytime soon? I know the belt vs. chain has been discussed ad nauseum, but just curious if Subaru is going down this path (or maybe already is?).
Click to expand...
Yes, the 2011 Forester will have a timing chain on the SOHC motors only.

Jlee - contact FredBeans. They are run through a dealer and have access to all parts. Unfortunately they lost their online OEM catalog recently, but they can get you a quote with shipping on anything. Very good crew there.
 
jlee said:
That doesn't look too bad at all..I don't really see what they mean by using a chain wrench to keep the cams from moving, but if I saw a picture of it I think it would make sense.
Click to expand...

I think they mean the crankshaft pulley. The scoobymod walkthrough mentioned having your buddy put your car in gear and step on the brakes to keep them the crankshaft from rotating. Smart thinking... manual FTW!

I would not re-use the auto tensioner... Just buy a new one from the dealer so you don't have to worry about not compressing it correctly or something.
 
alphatarget1 said:
I think they mean the crankshaft pulley. The scoobymod walkthrough mentioned having your buddy put your car in gear and step on the brakes to keep them the crankshaft from rotating. Smart thinking... manual FTW!

I would not re-use the auto tensioner... Just buy a new one from the dealer so you don't have to worry about not compressing it correctly or something.
Click to expand...

I ordered this kit and a bunch of other stuff - going to tackle it tomorrow.
 
You don't necessarily need a chain wrench to keep it in place, just don't move anything.

Before you take the belt off, move everything to top dead center (TDC), then put markings on the pulleys and on the block, I used white out when I changed mine. Once the belt is off, they'll move some but not much just make sure to put them back to the correct place when it comes time to put the belt back on.
 
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