In message <(e-mail address removed)> - (e-mail address removed)
writes:
:>
:>On Sat, 12 Nov 2005 19:30:05 -0500, BRH <BRH> wrote:
:>
:>>In the manual for my 2001 Forester, it recommends that the "Camshaft
:>>Drive Belt" be inspected every 30K miles. Is this the same thing as the
:>>timing belt? If so, how does it get inspected? (I've always been told
:>>that replacing it is labor-intensive due to the need to take half the
:>>engine apart to get to it, so I assume the same needs to be done to
:>>inspect it.)
:>>
:>>The manual recommends Camshaft Belt replacement at 105K miles. I'm
:>>right at 62K right now and anticipate a number of long trips in the next
:>>2 months. So, if this is the timing belt, Should I consider replacing
:>>it now?
:>>
:>>Thanks!
:>
:>Yes this is the timing belt. It's not really necessary to take half
:>the engine apart to access the belt, just the stuff on the front-
:>crank pulley, accessory belts and timing covers. It's a few hours of
:>labor but not that terrible. To inspect the belt it's only necessary
:>to remove one of the covers, which can be done without any other
:>disassembly. As long as a small portion of the belt is visible it can
:>be checked for tightness, cracks, and damaged teeth.
:>You can certainly replace it now if you want, but unless you expect to
:>reach 100K in the near future this may be premature. Have it inspected
:>at least, this will give an idea of its condition.
:>It is also recommended to replace certain other parts at the same time
:>as the timing belt, due to their being located under the timing cover
:>and therefore exposed at the time the belt is being replaced. This
:>will avoid duplicating the same labor should those parts fail later
:>on. This includes the timing belt tensioner and pullies, water pump,
:>crankshaft seal and cam seals. How much of this additional work you
:>choose to perform at the same time depends on how long you plan to
:>keep the car and how much you are willing to spend on preventive
:>maintenance.
Speaking from experience ($$) - Get the crankshaft seal replaced (even if the
mechanic says "it looks ok")!!
When the dealership replaced my timing belt (94 Legacy), they didn't mention
about replacing anything else. About 6 months later the front oil seal let go
and it was a very expensive repair.
Rob
www.rcp.ca