I know its common for Subaru's to tick. I've owned a few and they always tick. My Legacy ticked a little at first, and then it went away and it hasn't been back for a few months. It just started up again a few days ago. I believe its because it needs an oil change, but I'm also worried my timing belts might be getting warn. Would a timing belt possibly cause this? A mechanic told me it wouldn't, but for some reason I still don't trust that. The last owner was saying it was due for a change.

How many miles? When was the last time the timing belt was changed and what was done. Its not the timing belkt that ticks, but the idler/tensioner bearing. In your case if you think its an oil change, well then, change the oil and see if it goes away. Timing belts arent like chains, they wont make noise when they go bad.

 

 

nipper

change your oil. the oil pump may need new seals or the backing plate screws tigthened. i think your EJ engine may have hydraulic valve lash adjusters, if it does it is imperative to change your oil on time. realize "on time" is very subjective and hopefully for your sake this thread doesn't go into that abyss of a discussion or it will become completely useless to you! anyway, HLA style valve trains can get gummed up if you don't change your oil often enough. freeing them because a hit or miss type affair.

 

timing belts may make more of a slapping style sound if the belt starts to come apart, but that is rare and it won't sound anything like a typical "ticking noise" of a subaru. ticking related to the timing belt would be like nipper said and related to the pulleys/tensioner. most that i've seen seize without making a peep and the belt slides over it.

 

if you're due for a timing belt, it's time to change it. they are maintenance items and will not last the life of the vehicle. even if it's 6 months or a year from now...at least put it on the agenda. better to plan now than have it start to go out or break then not have the cash or time to do it.

How many miles? When was the last time the timing belt was changed and what was done. Its not the timing belkt that ticks, but the idler/tensioner bearing. In your case if you think its an oil change, well then, change the oil and see if it goes away. Timing belts arent like chains, they wont make noise when they go bad.

 

 

nipper

 

ok sounds good. I know for sure that the tick is lifter tick noise, and ill be sure to get that oil changed soon....gotta wait till payday

If changing the oil, and resealing the pump with the t-belt change doesn't fix it here is a link to the hla replacement on an ej22

http://www.lovehorsepower.com/SubaruDocs/LashAdjusterReplace.htm