Speaking of Timing Belts...

[DiscoStu]

I got a 99 Outback 2.5 with about 110K miles. I know it's time for a change, but what else should I have changed along with it? I've heard you should change the water pump, too. Anything else? Could a handy guy with a few wrenches do this himself? Should I take it to the dealer? Should I take it to an independent mechanic? How much should it (will it) cost?

 

Thanks

[ejlain]

I got a 99 Outback 2.5 with about 110K miles. I know it's time for a change, but what else should I have changed along with it? I've heard you should change the water pump, too. Anything else? Could a handy guy with a few wrenches do this himself? Should I take it to the dealer? Should I take it to an independent mechanic? How much should it (will it) cost?

 

Thanks

 

Hi Stu.

You'll get some great advice on this board from others, but I'll be the first to jump in on this one. Since you're doing the timing belt, most people will tell you to at the very least INSPECT the water pump, some will say REPLACE it since you're doing all the labor anyway. Other things to look at and/or replace will be the upper and lower radiator hoses (since you'll have to drain the cooling system if you're doing water pump). You might also want to consider doing the cam seals.

 

There are some great step by step walkthroughs on this board and elsewhere if you think you're mechanically inclined and want to attempt to do the job yourself. Otherwise, either a dealer or mechanic can do it. My dealer actually turned out to be a little cheaper when i had my 95 legacy done.

 

As far as cost: if you have someone do it, probably around $400-$650.

You can get the parts at 1stsubaruparts…belt (~$50), water pump (~$125).

 

Hope this helps.

 

- Ed

[cookie]

I got a water pump, tensioner, had the oil pump pulled, tightened and resealed,and had all the seals on the front replaced.

I figure its easy when it's apart and all of those are items that commonly cause trouble. I hope not to go into the front of the engine again for another 90,000 miles.

Keep in mind that I am a fussy ex mechanic who likes my car to be reliable.

[powderhound]

Definately do all the front oil seals. At 110K you're gonna need to do them soon anyway and they're cheap. H2O pump, T-stat, oil pump are also highly recomended.