Hi,

I just scheduled a 60 K miles service on my Outback 2001 2.5 L and
they recommended that the timing belt should be replaced? Is this
normal? The owners manual says it has to be replaced at 105 K miles.
On the other hand, including the replacement, their price is only a
$150 more than another dealership 60K service without timing belt
replacement. However, in my opinion it is not necessary.
I would greatly appreciate your input.

Ivan

batvanio (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:
I certainly wouldn't change the timing
belt at 60k. But then I wouldn't pay
a dealer to do a 60k service either.

batvanio (AT) gmail (DOT) com writes:

Your decision should be determined by the answer to one question:
What does the timing belt look like? Any signs of cracks or
wear?

Given that 6 years have passed since your car was new, I'm gonna guess
that it's not gonna look so hot and you will want a new one.

You are correct that the maintenance interval for it is 105k. Timing
belt inspections are however mandated at intervals before that,
including 60k.

If inspection supports the need to replace the timing belt, it's a
good time to toss in a new water pump. They should only hit you for
the cost of the water pump since they've got it torn down to that
point anyway.

--
Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4
Chicago, Illinois USA

I replaced a 2001 timing belt at 60k and felt i was wasting my money,
the timing belt was perfectly good, but, once i had disassembled I
decided to go ahead with the change.

If in your situation, I would wait for the 100k mark

batvanio (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:

<batvanio (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote



I think the dealer might be a little bit greedy and quick
to take your money. You may also be tempted by same
greed to wait until 105k.

To find middle ground it would be sensible to wait a bit
perhaps untill 80k and then changie it. There is no savings
on labor replacing it now right, apart from the seemingly
good price of only 150$ more than a regular 60k service
some other dealer.

Tough decision.

Why don't you tell us how much are they quoting you,
cause I think the total price may be a tie breaker.

If it is reasonable ON ITS OWN and you don't plan on
getting rid of the car you may do it now- have peace
of mind, reduce risk, and not trouble yourself with this
in the future (replacing the pump at the same time is
a good idea).

M.J.

"M.J." <M.J. (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

Forgot to add, the car and belt will be old when at
105k. That is why I said _greed_ in spite of the fact
that 105k is scheduled maintenance interval. I think
if you read carefully somewhere in the maintenance
booklet there is a time interval on timing belt replacement.
If I am correct it is six years. I may be mistaken, and
it may be 10yrs. Try to find this info, it'll help you decide.

Good luck,
M.J.

"M.J." <M.J. (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote


I got it, its 105 months, almost nine years.

http://www.subaru.com/owners/schedul...=SCHEDULE_2001

M.J.

John Rethorst wrote:
Do all the items that I can, myself. Then
take it to an independent shop for the rest.

batvanio (AT) gmail (DOT) com wrote:
I changes the timing belt at 105K miles and after inspection there is no
single trace of wear. For my next Subie I will probably postpone it to
120K. Similarly, the changes water pump looked just perfect.

This would seem to be a lot of wasted money...changing the belt 45,000
miles BEFORE its service interval? Plus, for the sake of comparison,
my Subaru dealer changed the timing belt in our OBW for about $379.
And my dealer is in Chicagoland which is probably more expensive than
most.