Do Subarus have timing belts or timing chains?

Subarus and Timing Belts vs. Timing Chains
Subarus have used both timing belts and timing chains in their engines, and the specific type of timing mechanism used can depend on the model and year. Here’s a breakdown based on the information from the search results:
– Timing Belts:
– Commonly found on most Subaru vehicles built in the 1990s and early 2000s, the EJ family of engines all feature timing belts.
– Going back all the way to 1997 when the Forester was launched, the vehicle used Subarus EJ series of engines, which meant they were fitted with a rubber timing belt.
– The ultra-high-performance Subaru WRX STI also features a rubberized timing belt.
– Timing Chains:
– In 2010, the new FB family of engines featured an all-new design including a timing chain.
– Since 2013, all Subaru engines have been equipped with timing chains rather than belts, except for the high-performance Subaru WRX and WRX STI. The WRX got one more year with a timing belt in 2014, and the WRX STI still uses a timing belt to this day.
– If you have a Subaru Outback, Forester, or other non-STI vehicle from the 2014 model year or newer, your car is equipped with a timing chain that doesn’t need regular maintenance.
In summary, the timing mechanism in a Subaru engine can vary based on the model and year, with older models typically featuring timing belts and newer models featuring timing chains.
If you have a specific Subaru model in mind, it’s recommended to check your owner’s manual or look under the hood to find out which engine your Subaru vehicle is equipped with, or consult with a service technician who can look up your car by its VIN and provide the relevant information.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Subaru?

Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor). Have a timing chain instead of a timing belt? Lucky you, because they can actually last the lifetime of your car.

What year Subarus have timing belts?

Timing belts were found on older Subaru engines, such as the EJ series; the Outback hasn’t seen a timing belt, at least in North American models, since 2012. Originally Answered: How often should a timing chain on a 2015 Subaru Outback be replaced? All timing chains stretch over time.

What are symptoms of a timing chain going bad on a Subaru?

Signs of a Faulty or Failing Timing Chain
One of the most common signs of a faulty timing chain is a rattling sound when you start the engine, let it idle, or brake. That rattle is a loose chain banging against the housing it’s in, indicating the chain is stretched beyond what it should be.

What year did Subaru stop using timing belt?

Simply, then, a 1997 to 2011 Forester will have a timing belt, while any of the fourth-gen Foresters (from 2013 or later) will have a timing chain.

Do Subarus have timing chain issues?

All Subaru sold in the USA after 2005 have an “Interference” engine. Therefore, if the timing belt or timing chain breaks or jumps timing, it can cause bent valves and possibly dinged pistons in the engine, thus resulting in expensive repairs. If you have an older car, some model were Interference and others not.

How long does a Subaru timing chain last?

A timing chain is bulkier and louder; however, it does not require replacement. Though a repair might be necessary in some rare occasions, most timing chains last for the entire life of the engine.

How many years does a Subaru timing belt last?

seven years
Timing belt replacements:
Subaru timing belts need to be replaced after seven years or 105,000 miles; whichever comes first. Replacement cost starts at $530 (will vary by model)

When should a Subaru timing chain be replaced?

They may only need to get new timing chains after driving for a full one hundred and twenty thousand miles. It should take years for most drivers to get to that point. Customers who recently purchased used Subaru vehicles should usually get the automotive timing chains checked.

How long does a timing chain last on a Subaru?

A timing chain is bulkier and louder; however, it does not require replacement. Though a repair might be necessary in some rare occasions, most timing chains last for the entire life of the engine.

Which Subarus have a timing chain?

If you have a Subaru Outback, Forester or other non-STI vehicle from the 2014 model year or newer, your car is equipped with a timing chain that doesn’t need regular maintenance. However, if your Subaru model is older than that, you may have a timing belt under the hood.