OK, I'm going to replace the timing belt, water pump and thermostat in my '95 Legacy. I've been seeing a lot of posts that say OEM is the "only" way to go for some of these parts. Just so there's no confusion on my end, OEM means from the Subaru dealer, correct? OEM parts are (shockingly enough) considerably more expensive but if the consensus is that it makes sense to go that way, I'll defer to the experts (you guys). Please advise.

 

Mike

I would recomend using an OEM pump and T-stat. You can get a pretty good timing belt from your local auto parts. You can use oem if you want. I beleive there are a few different kinds of compound that the belt can be made out of. So therefore there are different prive ranges on belts. I really didn't know there was a difference either...

 

 

Hope this helps...

Original Equipment Manufacturer means an outfit that makes parts under license.

 

OE - Original Equipment - is the same as saying "Genuine Parts", but not in anyway the same as saying OEM.

 

Anything labelled as OEM Parts is likely off the same production line as the Genuine parts, but the quality control may not be quite as strict. That's why they are cheaper. For instance, Kyaba or KYB shock absorbers or "Subaru" shocks, are the same thing. Same goes for Exedy clutches, Brembo brake discs, and so on.

 

 

Of course, there are the even cheaper non-original, non-genuine, non-OEM produced parts. These are the ones to stay away from.

 

 

I agree that pump and ESPECIALLY thermostat should be Genuine parts. I would also sleep better at night knowing my timing belt had the Subaru signature on it.

I would'nt buy anything other than a OEM Subaru belt. There have been stories of after market belts breaking before their time. I remember a loyale after market belt that was way thinner than the original. Cheaper too. Same thing for the pump and the thermostat. Moreover, the original belt has markings on it that makes installation much easier and fool proof. I don't know if after market belts have them also. I would doubt it.

I aggree with Frag on the timming belt. My mechanic has showed me an after market and OEM belt and the OEM one was wider and looked sturdier. To me that means a stronger belt. Go with OEM original.

 

Sam

As you read on this board, you will see a few sources of genuine subaru parts that are from discount dealers that ship to your house. That is a nice compromise between local parts stores and the local dealer price wise. There is much less chance of getting a part that is supposed to fit and doesn't fit going this way too. I deal with Liberty Subaru in NJ and have always had good luck. It also saves a trip to the dealer, maybe two if they require a deposit, and for some people the local Subaru dealer is an hour drive or more.