Hello,

 

As a maintenance item I would like to replace the fan and a/c belts on my wife's 02 Outback. It seems straight forward enough - but does anyone have a play by play? Will I be able to replace both belts by loosening the belt tensioner and how tight should I tightened them back up? I have not priced belts for it yet - but I'm sure NAPA brand parts vs O.E. Subaru will be cheaper or should I bite the bullet and stay with O.E.? The belts look decent enough that I plan on keeping them for spares. Much obliged for the help.

I forget what the OEM belts say on them...I don't think they say Subaru. The NAPA belts are probably fine. But of course you can't go wrong with OEM. (OEM parts can be had from Subaru dealers who sells parts on the Internet typically for much less than what a local dealer charges).

 

Do you have the H4 or the H6?

 

The H4 is pretty simple. You need some 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets/wrenches. Tightness can be tricky on new belts as they will loosen slightly as the break in. But you don't want them too tight either as that can damage the accessories.

 

There's some good articles on EndWrench.com about belts but the site seems to be down at the moment so I can't get the links.

I forget what the OEM belts say on them...I don't think they say Subaru. The NAPA belts are probably fine. But of course you can't go wrong with OEM. (OEM parts can be had from Subaru dealers who sells parts on the Internet typically for much less than what a local dealer charges).

 

Do you have the H4 or the H6?

 

The H4 is pretty simple. You need some 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm sockets/wrenches. Tightness can be tricky on new belts as they will loosen slightly as the break in. But you don't want them too tight either as that can damage the accessories.

 

There's some good articles on EndWrench.com about belts but the site seems to be down at the moment so I can't get the links.

 

I have the H4. I'll price the belts both ways (the O.E. from the internet is a good idea). I'll check on endwrench.com when the site is available. Thanks porcupine73

Accessery drive belts (aka fan belts) can come from anywhere. Usually the ones in the stores are Gates.

 

 

nipper

I like to replace the belts with the same company that came off the car...usually these are the best quality belts available and will not stretch like most aftermarket belts..I don't like to retighten belts and possibly again for a second time...on my 01 outback the small belt is "subaru" and the large belt is "Mitsubishi"..even some well known quality companies make various grades of quality, so you never really know what you are getting unless you have a lot of experience in doing this

I like to replace the belts with the same company that came off the car...usually these are the best quality belts available and will not stretch like most aftermarket belts..I don't like to retighten belts and possibly again for a second time...on my 01 outback the small belt is "subaru" and the large belt is "Mitsubishi"..even some well known quality companies make various grades of quality, so you never really know what you are getting unless you have a lot of experience in doing this

 

I used to test autoparts

 

When i mention a brand thats not OE I can vouch for it personally.

 

 

nipper