Timing chain replacement 2017 Legacy

[jhajeski]

Hey…. I had some questions on replacing the timing chain on a 2017 Legacy 2.5i Limited. The Maintenance schedule has an “R” (replace) at 96K miles, but it also says:

“Camshaft Belt- (timing belt) STI only
Note all 2017 Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, BRZ, Crosstrek, and WRX have a timing chain which doesn't need replacement”

So, what gives? Why say replace at 96K and then say it doesn’t need replacement? I’m sure I’m probably missing something simple…so, apologies. The only thing I could think of is that since Subaru uses both words “belt” and “chain” that maybe models with a belt require replacing, but those with a chain do not ??? Isn’t this topic further complicated by the fact that my engine (with a chain) is an interference engine? It’s one thing to hope it lasts forever but if it doesn’t, your engine is now in little pieces….

Last…what’s reasonable for that job (at a non-dealer shop)? My guess was $650 — based on absolutely nothing, just a wild ass guess. Any input if you’ve had this done is welcome.

Thanks !!! Any/all suggestions or advice on this topic are appreciated.

— Jim

 

[Wolfy4Me]

Hey…. I had some questions on replacing the timing chain on a 2017 Legacy 2.5i Limited. The Maintenance schedule has an “R” (replace) at 96K miles, but it also says:

“Camshaft Belt- (timing belt) STI only
Note all 2017 Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, BRZ, Crosstrek, and WRX have a timing chain which doesn't need replacement”

So, what gives? Why say replace at 96K and then say it doesn’t need replacement? I’m sure I’m probably missing something simple…so, apologies. The only thing I could think of is that since Subaru uses both words “belt” and “chain” that maybe models with a belt require replacing, but those with a chain do not ??? Isn’t this topic further complicated by the fact that my engine (with a chain) is an interference engine? It’s one thing to hope it lasts forever but if it doesn’t, your engine is now in little pieces….

Last…what’s reasonable for that job (at a non-dealer shop)? My guess was $650 — based on absolutely nothing, just a wild ass guess. Any input if you’ve had this done is welcome.

Thanks !!! Any/all suggestions or advice on this topic are appreciated.

— Jim

After a brief search, your car (make, model, year and engine) has a timing chain, not a timing belt.

 

[jhajeski]

After a brief search, your car (make, model, year and engine) has a timing chain, not a timing belt.

Thanks. I kind of figured that out after I posted…but the other question is still valid. Despite Subaru saying that the chain does not need to ever be replaced…given that it’s an interference engine, does anyone replace them anyway (at 100k miles or whatever) or is it too cost-prohibitive to even consider??