Timing belt replacement

[BE-Fresh]

I'm obviously not getting one from the dealer. Any brands I should stay away from? I'm looking @ Dayco off autopartswarehouse.com. Also, anything I should replace/check out while the engine is out for clutch/flywheel install?

[Airgne]

i got a goodyear gatorback timing belt, and the dealership said it was better than the ones they sell.

[decke48]

gates = oem. just buy a gate's brand belt as good as oem and half the cost. i dont like the dayco brand personal

[birukun]

You can't go wrong with OEM - that said, I buy online from 1stsubaruparts.com whenever possible. The local stealership adds 20% to list, while online can be as low as 35% less than list. Timing belt, water pump, idler, etc.


edit: For certain things I buy local - I bought axle shafts at Napa, and wheel bearings at Kragen.

[Huffer]

Also, anything I should replace/check out while the engine is out for clutch/flywheel install?

All the seals, your oil pump and water pump, plus any related gaskets.

You could give it a good degreasing too while it's out, and nows a good time to really get in and clean the throttle body.

[BE-Fresh]

Thanks everyone for the prompt responses. Birukun, I will definitely look @ that website, and Huff I will take a look @ the seals and TB for sure.

[downest]

Are you taking the engine out just to do the clutch/flywheel?

Also I'll verify the Gates belts. I've replaced a bunch of subie belts and pretty much all of them say Gates on them, including the JDM engines.

[BE-Fresh]

Are you taking the engine out just to do the clutch/flywheel?

Also I'll verify the Gates belts. I've replaced a bunch of subie belts and pretty much all of them say Gates on them, including the JDM engines.

Yeah. The person who I am helping do it said it was a lot easier to do it that way. Also I can easily check other parts of the engine for wear and whatnot.

[downest]

It's definitely not easier that way, and you also end up with a lot of incidentals, like the coolant and the things that potentially break taking it out. Dropping the tranny isn't that hard, the first NA clutch I did on the ground took just over five hours, by myself. The worst part is really the tranny sticking to the block, which is going to be a problem either way you do it. I've done a lot of subaru clutches and I can do a WRX one in around four hours no, assuming no majorly stuck pieces.

[BE-Fresh]

Really? I'll have to talk to him about that then, thank you though!

[Okin DaVanh]

It's definitely not easier that way, and you also end up with a lot of incidentals, like the coolant and the things that potentially break taking it out. Dropping the tranny isn't that hard,....

I thought he was doing the timing belt too? Which you'd have to drain the fluid anyway.

It would be easier to leave it in but if your going all out and refreshing things, (rear main seal etc...) then you might find it easier to have your engine out. Other than that, leave it in. IMHO

[downest]

I guess it's true on the coolant, but still it's a lot more work to pull the whole motor, which isn't necessary for a timing belt replacement either.

[Reuben]

pretty much all of them say Gates on them, including the JDM engines.

Strange, my old one has a great big denso logo on it, followed by the word "SUBARU", captioned with "made in japan" Is gates an american or japanese company?

Regardless, i'd only every use subaru belts straight from the dealer, never will i use aftermarket belts and gaskest etc. etc.

And as huffer pointed out, don't forget the new tensioner, idlers, and water pump & thermostat. oil pump is more a 200,000K item, not 100,000K.


Oh yeah, and i'm a fan of lifting the engine, makes it easier to do the cambelt, rocker covers and spark plugs, and you can give it a good clean, and a thorough looking over. If you are lifiting it, do the rocker cover gaskets too, since they LOVE to leak. Maybe even front and rear crank seals too, if you can (i forget if they are possible or not)

[downest]

I have one off an EJ207 here that has both the FHI and Gates logos on it. Maybe it's a newer thing?

[Reuben]

Probably, that belt's 11 years old :razz:

[decke48]

not a new thing. did a belt in a 06. says gates. done them in 90 says gates..