We just had our 95 Subaru Impreza repaired. The mechanic felt the front timing cover needed to be replaced and we agreed to have him replace the timing and AC belts while he was at it. When he went to remove the crank bolt/pulley he found it loose and the harmonic balancer had been wobbling and damaged the end of the crank. We have just under 88000 miles on the car. Is this normal for a Subaru that has been well cared for and not driven hard? During the winter when parked it is in a heated garage as this is Alaska. Just curious as we are considering replacing the car with another Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek.

Hi and Welcome,

Definitely NOT normal. But not unheard of. Certainly not a reason to avoid buying another Subaru.

 

I'll let the tech/mechs chime in, but if you're the original owner and it's not had any other maintenance to the timing belt or related parts, not sure how that would occur.

 

Depending on the damage - of course - I've read that isn't an end-all to the engine. It can be repaired w/out replacing the engine.

 

Did your mechanic fix it?

 

GL,

Td

Edited January 10, 20179 yr by wtdash

That doesn't happen - it is caused. The bolt wasn't installed tight enough.

 

But actually it doesn't really matter. Just tighten the crank pulley tight and be done with it.

 

If it sits crooked just file the crank snout so the pulley sits flush.

 

All you need to do is bolt the crank pulley in place and tighten it really tight. I use a two or three foot pipe over the socket and have at it.

 

* you do not need a key at all. Some people repair and install a key but they're pointless and unecessary.

 

If it's tight enough it will it come off.

 

I don't use a torque wrench for that but I'd guess I use more than called for. Steel crank so it's not gonna strip like aluminum.

 

Done it tons of times and so have others. I can easily guarantee I'd fix it without issues.

i had my pulley come completely off one night while driving got lucky and the pulley bolt and belts were all still there just not bolted to the engine any more. i cranked that thing back on there very tight and never had issues with it again after. this was 3 years ago.

What he says is entirely repeatable. I don't even know how many I've done like that with no key.