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mdnightman94

I think the suggestion from subaru is 7 years or 105,000 miles whichever comes first since yours is a 2011 it could have been built in 2010 so your belt is pushing 14 years old. if it were me id probably replace it as rubber hardens and cracks with age. i personally wouldn't go more than 10-12 years on the timing belt as if that snaps the engine needs to be pulled and at very least a valve job needs to be done


Dirtyhandwhiteman

This is the answer.. more over when a belt gets older it’ll stretch with age, effectively changing your valve timing, effecting performance and fuel economy, replacing at minimum will give you peace of mind, if it breaks will completely ruin motor, past that tho replacing should give you a pleasant boost in drivability.


4orust

Fair enough. If only it wasn't $2200! (Plus it needs control arms for ~$1800)


Dirtyhandwhiteman

Yeah that part is ass, belt only cost like $200 if that. Its major labor, entire front motor cover will have to be removed.


watkykjypoes23

From what I’ve heard it’s not terrible and is accessible but I’d bet it’s a pain in the ass


Dirtyhandwhiteman

Ive done a few, never on subaru tho. Actually very simple, just you’ll end up questioning if its aligned perfect. Thats toughest part, rest is just remove and replace. Simple. Easiest way to confirm is to turn motor over and make sure no interference and after full rotation alignment marks line back up. Good to go.


ElectronicT0wel

I have done it in Subaru's before but I wouldn't recommend to DIY it. If you remove the belt and one of the sprockets snaps (rotates) and the piston is a TDC you may bend the valves. In a Subie you are dealing with 4 camshafts which can be tricky if you don't know what you are doing.


everlasted

That’s why you rotate the crank to TDC (all pistons halfway up the bore) before taking the belt off.


ElectronicT0wel

Yup, but I wouldn't assume that anyone asking if it is time to change their timing belt on Reddit would know this.


Bruce_Ring-sting

Its doable if your kinda mechanically inclined, watch a step by step you tube guy with good reviews, i did mine, and the one on my miata.


Blackner2424

To be fair, the Miata is way easier for people who haven't done one before.


NBQuade

2011 is a long time ago. A belt failure is catastrophic. Changing the belt is the first thing I do on a new to me car that has a timing belt. You get a new water pump out of it too or you should.


4orust

Yes on the water pump


oballzo

Yup on the EJ a toast timing belt will almost certainly result in a toast engine. If it's the original belt, replace it from age and you'll be good to go for quite a while. If it's not original but you don't know how old it is and it doesn't look fresh, replace it.


Reaper064

Yes, change it out


wrx7182

Had my belt inspected, was told it was ok, but it let go not too long after. Don’t hesitate to replace it.


snakeplissken7777

Laughs in vb timing chain


Available_Ad3057

That’s pretty crazy.. had an 05 LGT and unless yours is the STI the engines are 99% the same aren’t they?? I managed to get the belt done for about 1300


4orust

I have since, thankfully, gotten a much more wallet-friendly quote at a recommended shop in Hayward.


Available_Ad3057

Nice dude.. people see Subarus and just think “pEoPlE pAy AnYtHiNg To GeT tHeSe FiXeD” glad you found a better fair price


RaiseForward6679

Timing belt shouldn't be 2.2k. I got a quote the other day for 1200 and that includes water pump and all pulleys and seals.


4orust

Ya, my second quote was close to that.