When should the timing belt be changed. Last time it was changed was in 2012

105K initially and then I usually go every 80K after that.  Cheap insurance.  Make sure the pulleys are also changed.  The cogged one usually goes first!

Thank you. 

there is also a time limit on them... so not just mileage based, but age in general.

i believe it is suggested to change every 105K miles or 105 months (8.75 yrs), whichever happens first... since last done in 2012, you are well past that time frame.

Owners manual would give you the interval. If you don't have a physical copy of that, you can get a digital copy here: http://jdmfsm.info/Auto/Japan/Subaru/Impreza/1999/

 

Edited July 14, 20214 yr by heartless

On 7/14/2021 at 2:40 PM, LGB said:

When should the timing belt be changed. Last time it was changed was in 2012

Now. It’s 105 *months* or 105,000 miles.  You’re due based on time no matter what. 

Also since it was changed once already we can guess 1 of 2, or both, of these are true:

1. it doesn’t have a Subaru or AISIN belt. 
2. They didn’t also change the lower cogged idler.

That current belt and pulley are trash.  Those always bend 75% of the valves unless you’re real lucky 

Get a Subaru belt and Subaru lower clogged pulley - it’s only like $30 from subaru and as likely to fail as an old belt.  You can Google pictures of the carnage, people have it happen all the time. I’ve seen it. And check the tensioner for leakage at the hydraulic seal  $125 or so from Subaru if it’s soaking wet with pooled up oil on the tensioner lip where the seal seats. If it’s dry or very lightly coated and compressed properly it’s fine to reuse.

If the car is decent and worth another 100k miles I’d get a complete AISIN kit with all new pulleys and water pump if the car is rust free and good condition.

But the previous belt and one pulley for Subaru that I mentioned takes care of the most likely to fail items and offers great value for certain situations  

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Edited July 16, 20214 yr by idosubaru