Timing belt replacement on a 2002 Forester

[tontod]

I have a 2002 Subaru Forester, its at 83.5k miles. I think the timing belt needs to be replaced. I asked the mechanic I took my car to last weekend, and he said it would be 2 hours of labor, including the water pump replacement. It sounds a bit low, or is that normal for a Forester?

 

[HarryLui]

Pay him tips if you want.

 

[fbrdphreak]

2 hours for a timing belt? That sounds rather low. Has this mechanic worked on a Subaru before? I think I saw on the LegacyGT forum a shop was advertising a flat rate of around $500 for a timing belt change? Considering most shops are under $100/hr labor, I really doubt that shop would be able to do it in 2 hours.

The water pump is incidental - that is a few extra bolts once you're in there.

Call around and get some quotes. Check out places that advertise import, and Subaru in particular, specialty.

 

[kami333]

That's low, I think the estimated labor time is about 5hours.

I paid about $650 for the timing belt and water pump at a dealer.

Also the timing belt replacement interval is 105k.

 

[Vetterin]

Be happy you don't have a Santa Fe - 60,000 mile replacement at $650 a pop.

 

[NutBucket]

Honestly, a competent mechanic could knock it out in 2 hours if he was trying. Nothing is terribly hard to get to. Hell, I could do it in 5 hours and I've never done a Suby belt before. Considering how much easier it is than a Honda belt I don't fear doing mine at all.

To me, the hardest part of a belt replacement is keeping everything aligned when you slip the belt on. Getting the belt on can be a real bitch.