lhrocker Posted February 19, 2004 Share Posted February 19, 2004 I have a 95 Legacy that I bought pre-owned. It had 107k on it when I got it. It may be time for a timing belt change, but it also may have been done already. How can I tell if it needs one? If a mechanic has to take everything apart, then they might as well do it, but if it was recently done, I wouldn't want to do it again so soon. Thanx, Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenSisters Posted February 19, 2004 Share Posted February 19, 2004 On the 2.2 you just need to take off the Mickey Mouse plastic cover to inspect the belt. Expect to break some of the brass threaded inserts before you're done. I would look for cracking or other deterioration of the belt. I think Subaru has a width spec too. Your mechanic does not have to take everything apart to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuwan Posted February 19, 2004 Share Posted February 19, 2004 the timing belt is cover is composed of 3 seperate sections. The center section is behind the crank pully. The other two sections (one on each side) can be removed without removing any other belts/components. As stated above, remove the covers and look for cracks, worn or missing teeth and any other signs of aging. good luck:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 FWIW the timing belt on our 2.5l Phase I looked BRAND NEW when I changed it at 100k miles, but it was only 3.5 years old at that point. The 2.2 is a 60k interval, so either it is way overdue or not due yet, depending on whether or not they did it at 60k. I think it may be hard to tell whether the belt is 107k old or 47k old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesbaru Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 All of my Mickey Mouse covers broke when I had my timing belt done. The dealer didn't charge me for the new replacements. I guess they must break often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuwan Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 all motors are 96,000kms, however apparently the newer phase II motors are higher (160,000) but i wouldn't chance it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commuter Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 One the 2.5 Phase I, there is a different change interval between the USA and Canada. USA spec is ~160k km, Canada is 96k km. Yeah I know... dumb, but that's how it is. I've changed mine 3 times now. 100k km, 225k km, 350k, km. I let the last 2 belts go 125k km, which is only 2 years for me. The belts looked virtually new like 99obw said. Just the faintest bit of cracking starting in the root of the teeth. Try to look where the belt goes over a reverse bend (teeth opened up) to observe this. If I keep up this commuting, I'll probably let this belt go for 150k km. I always have them change the crank and cam seals when the timing belt is done. I've never had a front seal leak yet (fingers crossed). Commuter PS - Someone once said that if the lettering is worn off the backside of the belt, it is probably due for a change. I have no idea how good a yardstick that advice is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99obw Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 I don't know how long it takes for the lettering to wear off of a timing belt, but it sounds like a poor way to determine change intervals. FWIW the lettering wears off of my serpentine belt on my dodge in about 10k miles, but that is totally uncovered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tolerance02 Posted February 21, 2004 Share Posted February 21, 2004 A worn T belt will have free play on the teeths. Remove the right cover (passenger side by LHD, 3 small bolts). Turn the crankshaft (22 mm wrench) untill the mark on the front edge of the camshaft pully points upward, (12 o clock). Now, using a 17 mm. wrench turn the cam pully back and forth to see if there is free play in the teeths. If there is, I should replace it immediathly. Legacy T belt is very reliable, it's a strong belt and above all automatic adjusted. Urban. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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