Comments on: Seattle Subaru Timing Belt Done Right. http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/ Mon, 21 May 2012 19:02:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-105231 Justin Stobb Sun, 06 May 2012 16:36:45 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-105231 Its better to not let the noise unaddressed, so yes if its an idler it should be done, sometimes the tension of a new belt and tensioner can expose an old idler which is why we always suggest them at. Im sorry that it has gone the way it has for you, I dont understand the short sighted aspects of some shops. I can only to say that its a competitive business, shops need your business and sometimes dont want to scare you with the truth. Justin Its better to not let the noise unaddressed, so yes if its an idler it should be done, sometimes the tension of a new belt and tensioner can expose an old idler which is why we always suggest them at.

Im sorry that it has gone the way it has for you, I dont understand the short sighted aspects of some shops. I can only to say that its a competitive business, shops need your business and sometimes dont want to scare you with the truth.

Justin

]]> By: July http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-105148 July Thu, 03 May 2012 18:11:28 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-105148 Hi there, About a month ago my mechanic noted that the timing belt on my 2002 outback (145k miles) needed to be replaced. I just picked the car up from that service and I'm wondering, after reading this post and comments, if I should be looking for a new mechanic. The labor description says, "removed and replaced timing belt, might need to replace the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley". Sounds like that didn't happen. Labor was 360, timing belt kit was 498. Also, my engine now makes a high pitched whining noise! I gather this could be due to an over-tensioned timing belt, or just because it is new, but either way it's discouraging to get the car back and have it sounding funny, and even worse to hear that I'm likely looking at MORE expense to have the idler pulley and belt tensioner replaced when it should have been done with the belt. I've spent $2500 in repairs on this car already this year! So, should I look for a new mechanic? And if so, any tips for finding a good one? Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the US from you. Hi there,

About a month ago my mechanic noted that the timing belt on my 2002 outback (145k miles) needed to be replaced. I just picked the car up from that service and I’m wondering, after reading this post and comments, if I should be looking for a new mechanic. The labor description says, “removed and replaced timing belt, might need to replace the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley”. Sounds like that didn’t happen. Labor was 360, timing belt kit was 498. Also, my engine now makes a high pitched whining noise! I gather this could be due to an over-tensioned timing belt, or just because it is new, but either way it’s discouraging to get the car back and have it sounding funny, and even worse to hear that I’m likely looking at MORE expense to have the idler pulley and belt tensioner replaced when it should have been done with the belt. I’ve spent $2500 in repairs on this car already this year!

So, should I look for a new mechanic? And if so, any tips for finding a good one? Unfortunately I’m on the other side of the US from you.

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-104865 Justin Stobb Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:55:36 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-104865 Hi Jon, Thats a tough one and really up to you, we do see the idlers fail quickly sometimes giving the driver no early warning signs to act upon. The problem with leaving these components to chance is it can be very expensive as a valve job can cost as much as $3000.00 VS the cost of 4 idlers and maybe a water pump. We always give our customers the option of all or none and let them decide how to spend their money! For every car that has gone 300k with out ever doing a single idler there is at least one that cost the driver Thousands that could have been avoided. The timing belt is generally done to avoid expensive repairs, but the rest of the components go untouched by many who just don't understand that its not like a wheel bearing, it wont make noise you can hear for a while before failing and also unlike a wheel bearing a failed timing belt idler will lead to very substantial repairs to affected components. I just replaced the timing belt on our 2005 Outback XT, and had to shell out the money for the idlers, tensioner, water pump, acc belts, radiator hoses, union screw all above just replacing the timing belt as the last thing I want to worry about is being stranded or worse my wife. Now while its true my cost is less than most it still does cost more to do it all, but is done in my opinion for the same reason you pay for insurance every month. Justin Hi Jon,

Thats a tough one and really up to you, we do see the idlers fail quickly sometimes giving the driver no early warning signs to act upon. The problem with leaving these components to chance is it can be very expensive as a valve job can cost as much as $3000.00 VS the cost of 4 idlers and maybe a water pump.

We always give our customers the option of all or none and let them decide how to spend their money!

For every car that has gone 300k with out ever doing a single idler there is at least one that cost the driver Thousands that could have been avoided. The timing belt is generally done to avoid expensive repairs, but the rest of the components go untouched by many who just don’t understand that its not like a wheel bearing, it wont make noise you can hear for a while before failing and also unlike a wheel bearing a failed timing belt idler will lead to very substantial repairs to affected components.

I just replaced the timing belt on our 2005 Outback XT, and had to shell out the money for the idlers, tensioner, water pump, acc belts, radiator hoses, union screw all above just replacing the timing belt as the last thing I want to worry about is being stranded or worse my wife. Now while its true my cost is less than most it still does cost more to do it all, but is done in my opinion for the same reason you pay for insurance every month.

Justin

]]> By: Jon http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-104749 Jon Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:25:45 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-104749 I also received the same advice from the local Subaru dealer mechanic regarding the replacement of the water pump when my 02 WRX went in to have the timing, A/C & v belts changed @ 82k. They contacted me later in the day to inform me of fluid leaking from the belt tensioner and needed to be replaced - Total $500. The mechanic reassured me it was not necessary to do the water pump and made no mention of the idlers... wish i' done my research and found this site. Would you recommend getting the idlers & w/pump changed at the 105k service? I also received the same advice from the local Subaru dealer mechanic regarding the replacement of the water pump when my 02 WRX went in to have the timing, A/C & v belts changed @ 82k. They contacted me later in the day to inform me of fluid leaking from the belt tensioner and needed to be replaced – Total $500.

The mechanic reassured me it was not necessary to do the water pump and made no mention of the idlers… wish i’ done my research and found this site.

Would you recommend getting the idlers & w/pump changed at the 105k service?

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-104407 Justin Stobb Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:00:14 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-104407 You have to turn the crank and cams to line it up, i would start with the crank. You also need to do a leak down test not a compression test. Justin You have to turn the crank and cams to line it up, i would start with the crank. You also need to do a leak down test not a compression test.

Justin

]]> By: Dave http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-104328 Dave Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:50:24 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-104328 Hi Justin - my tensioner and 2 idler pulleys just went and took my engine with them. I want to put on some used parts just to see which heads are bad (1 or both) with a compression test. My question is how do I set the timing up now that it is out of whack? I don't want to turn the crank or cams indiscriminately for fear of doing even more damage. Thanks Hi Justin – my tensioner and 2 idler pulleys just went and took my engine with them. I want to put on some used parts just to see which heads are bad (1 or both) with a compression test. My question is how do I set the timing up now that it is out of whack? I don’t want to turn the crank or cams indiscriminately for fear of doing even more damage.
Thanks

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-103702 Justin Stobb Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:35:32 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-103702 The tensioner will typically make a light knocking noise. It is difficult for me to help with a noise I just can't hear. Even if it's the tensioner it should not be driven until the noise is diagnosed. Sorry I can't offer more Justin The tensioner will typically make a light knocking noise.

It is difficult for me to help with a noise I just can’t hear. Even if it’s the tensioner it should not be driven until the noise is diagnosed.

Sorry I can’t offer more

Justin

]]> By: Bjørnar Jenson http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-103568 Bjørnar Jenson Sun, 01 Apr 2012 20:59:50 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-103568 Hello, I have a 98 Forester 2,0 turbo with a tapping noise, like a valve tappet noise, but it sound much louder. It becomes more quiet when the engine block becomes real warm. I think the sound comes from the center of the engine, it is difficult to hear if it is from the front. The engine has 202000km on the clock. Can this be the timing belt tensioner not being doing its job and therefor tapping on the block? Bjørnar Flisa, Norway Hello, I have a 98 Forester 2,0 turbo with a tapping noise, like a valve tappet noise, but it sound much louder. It becomes more quiet when the engine block becomes real warm. I think the sound comes from the center of the engine, it is difficult to hear if it is from the front. The engine has 202000km on the clock. Can this be the timing belt tensioner not being doing its job and therefor tapping on the block?

Bjørnar
Flisa, Norway

]]> By: Justin Stobb http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-103222 Justin Stobb Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:01:55 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-103222 Hi Barry, The new Timing belt will put more load on a aged Water pump bearing. The water pump is also not a lifetime component typically. When I do this to my own Cars I always replace the water pump as I don't want to have to go back in. But having said that its really up to your comfort level as I know it starts to add up. Justin Hi Barry,

The new Timing belt will put more load on a aged Water pump bearing. The water pump is also not a lifetime component typically.

When I do this to my own Cars I always replace the water pump as I don’t want to have to go back in.

But having said that its really up to your comfort level as I know it starts to add up.

Justin

]]> By: Barry http://allwheeldriveauto.com/seattle-subaru-timing-belt-done-right/#comment-102879 Barry Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:59:43 +0000 http://allwheeldriveauto.com/?p=348#comment-102879 Thank you for an informative site. I have 2003 Forrester XS at 87k and will be going in next week for timing belt replacement. I am the original owner in Southern California and have done all the recommended maintenance. The dealer repaired the head gasket under the Extended Warranty, but did not do or recommend the timing belt as the mileage was around 60k. The dealer recommends doing the water pump at the same time. They will check all the idler pulleys, tensioner, etc and recommend replacement if necessary. I Assume all those parts will be necessary. Their initial estimate is about $700. My local Subaru mechanic says the water pumps usually do not require replacement, but he will check the bearings and use his experience to determine whether or not it should be replaced. He mentioned that he has no problem replacing it if I want it done to be safe, but he doesn't see problems with water pumps until the 2nd timing belt replacement down the road. What would be your recommendation? Thank you for an informative site.

I have 2003 Forrester XS at 87k and will be going in next week for timing belt replacement. I am the original owner in Southern California and have done all the recommended maintenance. The dealer repaired the head gasket under the Extended Warranty, but did not do or recommend the timing belt as the mileage was around 60k. The dealer recommends doing the water pump at the same time. They will check all the idler pulleys, tensioner, etc and recommend replacement if necessary. I Assume all those parts will be necessary. Their initial estimate is about $700.

My local Subaru mechanic says the water pumps usually do not require replacement, but he will check the bearings and use his experience to determine whether or not it should be replaced. He mentioned that he has no problem replacing it if I want it done to be safe, but he doesn’t see problems with water pumps until the 2nd timing belt replacement down the road.

What would be your recommendation?

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