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99 forester timing belt change
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:40 pm
by LIFTED
Hi Guys
I've been looking at a 99 Forester to buy with 130k any idea when the timing belt has to be changed at? I've read 105 000km in aus but 100000 miles in USA
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:46 pm
by hydrowill
Pretty sure It is every 100,000kms. Thats what it is for an ej25 anyway.
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:01 pm
by Alex
100k for all subas with belts
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 6:56 pm
by thunder039
for some reason unknown the US service intervals for there timing belts are longer. but yes 100,000ks in aus
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:01 pm
by AlpineRaven
Nah 125,000kms it is supposed to be changed at.
Gen 4 Liberty is 125,000kms
Cheers
AP
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:15 pm
by Alex
Every 100k service I've seen for a subaru involves timing belt
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:50 pm
by LIFTED
Ok Thanks I pick up my new Foz tomorrow It hasn't had the belt done and it has 130k on the clock so I guess I'd better get it done real quick.
You... hooo...Paul?
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:51 pm
by NachaLuva
Not sure what year it changed but the early engines are 100K km/ 4 years & after I think '04-'05 changed to 125K km/ 5 years. & yes, USDM t-belt interval is longer for the same engine...go figure!
Anyway, LIFTED, a '99 Foz is definitely 100,000km. Be sure to check the t-belt has been done. At the 200,000km service you should get the water pump, idler pulley, etc done as well as the t-belt.
130K km is pretty low mileage for a '99, but still be sure to check its been serviced regularly. A 3rd party vehicle inspection is always a good idea (RACV/ VACC/ NRMA,etc)
EDIT: just saw your post...dont risk the t-belt going, get it done ASAP...pistons & valves dont like shaking hands lol

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 2:13 am
by ORIGINALRS
MY06 onwards have the 125k/5yr intervals, all earlier models are 100k/4 year. If a car is 05 build but has a "6" (or higher) before the last "g" in the vin, it will be the 125k belt change.
Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 9:20 am
by AlpineRaven
ORIGINALRS wrote:MY06 onwards have the 125k/5yr intervals, all earlier models are 100k/4 year. If a car is 05 build but has a "6" (or higher) before the last "g" in the vin, it will be the 125k belt change.
Ah that explains the confusion!
Cheers
AP
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 12:44 am
by LIFTED
Got the car and the service history Last service they recommended timing belt change at 130k but 130k service not done yet. Yes manual says 100 000km
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:10 pm
by El_Freddo
LIFTED wrote:Got the car and the service history Last service they recommended timing belt change at 130k but 130k service not done yet. Yes manual says 100 000km
I'd be getting the belt done ASAP. The cost of a cam belt kit and labour is not worth putting off for the sake of a few dollars. A new engine (required after snapping a cam belt in this model of subi) is not worth the risk IMO.
Do the water pump while your in there too
Cheers
Bennie
Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 11:39 pm
by LIFTED
OK I'm not going to drive it until I get the new timing belt.
If I get the belt done at 130k then I wouldn't need to get it changed until 230k. So... should I get the water pump and belt tensioner's done at this 130k or the next 230k timing belt change?
Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:56 am
by steptoe
Yeah, that interval period is not a guarantee either. You'll find belts come with a 40,000km warranty on the box you generally toss. And you will get many Japanesey cars of the 80's tear up 250,000km without a belt change coz sold before 100,000km service, next buyer on a budget .....Know of one fleet operator reduced all their Landcruisers from 100,000 to 80,000 due to one belt letting go in an awkward spot and the resulting damage to 24 valves ?
Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:48 pm
by NachaLuva
LIFTED wrote:should I get the water pump and belt tensioner's done at this 130k or the next 230k timing belt change?
I'd get them both done now...its only a small extra cost, but if it needs doing later its almost as expensive as doing the whole t-belt again! Consider it cheap insurance for your engine & your wallet...good peace of mind

Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 9:55 pm
by El_Freddo
NachaLuva wrote:I'd get them both done now...its only a small extra cost, but if it needs doing later its almost as expensive as doing the whole t-belt again! Consider it cheap insurance for your engine & your wallet...good peace of mind

I couldn't agree more! If you do this it's set and forget, if not you'll be wondering when things are going to to pear shaped...
Cheers
Bennie
Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2013 11:39 am
by AlpineRaven
I've had timing belts snapping before its due!! (once was 20,000kms which was due at 60,000kms!!!!) just the matter of oil and other materials in that area, some are lucky to last beyond the due!
Cheers
AP