How do I know if my Subaru timing belt is bad?

Signs of a Bad Subaru Timing Belt
If you suspect that your Subaru’s timing belt may be bad, there are several signs to look out for:
1. Recommended Maintenance Interval Reached: The most important factor to keep an eye on when it comes to your timing belt is the odometer. Subaru has engineered and tested its factory timing belts for a particular lifetime, after which it’s time to get it replaced. For example, the engine in the 2012 Subaru Outback features a timing belt. According to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, this timing belt should be regularly inspected every 30,000 miles. Beyond this, Subaru recommends the belt be replaced regardless of condition at 105,000 miles.
2. Engine Misfiring: If your engine timing system is just slightly off, but not so bad as to cause the engine to stall or misfire, engine knock is a likely symptom. You may need to have the belt tensioners adjusted, or simply have the belt itself replaced.
3. Noises Coming from the Front of the Vehicle: A failing timing belt may show symptoms such as noises coming from the front of the vehicle, which could indicate issues with the timing belt.
4. Exhaust Issues: If your car’s exhaust has been expelling far more smoke than usual, it could be related to an issue with your timing belt. This can make your engine work harder than it’s supposed to, leading to costly repairs down the line.
5. Recommended Replacement Interval Exceeded: If you’re driving an older Subaru with a timing belt, it’s important to be aware of the signs that it’s starting to go bad. The last thing you want is for it to break while you’re driving, leading to costly repair bills.
It’s important to note that maintaining the timing belt in your Subaru’s engine is crucial. If it breaks, the damage to your engine could end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Therefore, it’s essential to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for timing belt replacement.

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.

How do I know if my timing belt is off without removing it?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt

1. You Hear A Ticking Noise Coming From The Engine.
2. Your Car’s Engine Won’t Turn Over.
3. You Notice An Oil Leak Near The Motor.
4. You Experience Exhaust Issues.
5. Your Revs Start Acting Up.

What year did Subaru stop using timing belt?

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.

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

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 kind of sound does a bad timing belt make?

2: Engine is making a ticking noise
A high-pitched screech or whirring upon starting the engine, when you’re accelerating, or when you’re idling, may also suggest it’s time to change your timing belt.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?

Signs Your Timing Belt Needs to be Replaced

• Ticking noise from under the hood when the engine is running.
• The engine doesn’t start.
• The engine misfiring while driving.
• Oil leaking from the front-side of where the motor is under the hood.
• Hydroplaning while driving in wet weather conditions.
• Check engine light is on.

How do you check a timing belt?

Flex the belt
With the engine running and the timing belt cover off, look at the belt as it runs. It should stay tight and straight, if it’s flexing, that’s bad news and means it is more likely to jump teeth, which will give your engine a bad day indeed.

Will a timing belt last 200000 miles?

The best guide would be the car handbook to see what the manufacturer mileage recommendations are. It is safer to replace the timing belt even earlier than the manufacturer recommends. In general, however, timing belts needs to be replaced from 60,000 miles up to 150,000 miles.

Is there any warning before timing belt breaks?

More timing belts break due to age than mileage. If your timing belt is beginning to deteriorate, you may experience any one of the following warning signs: A ticking noise coming from the engine. An oil leak near the motor.

How long does a timing belt last in a Subaru?

105,000 miles
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)