Timing system idler and pulley

[BoB]

Since I noticed a couple of timing belt threads this morning, I'd
like to throw out a question for the group.

A recent newspaper article on changing the timing belt every 60,000
miles also stated "Independent technicians recommend replacing the
timing system idler and pulley which may have a shorter operational
life than the timing belt".

What are your impressions on this statement? Applicable to Subaru's?
Applicable to some other make? Hype to sell more parts? With no personal
experience, I'm guessing that the latter is true but would be interested
if anyone has info that is better than my SWAG.

'90 Legacy sedan
'95 LegacyLS wagon
'02 ForesterS

BoB
For the duration of Swen, my address is inoperative.

 

[Jim Stewart]

Since I noticed a couple of timing belt threads this morning, I'd
like to throw out a question for the group.

A recent newspaper article on changing the timing belt every 60,000
miles also stated "Independent technicians recommend replacing the
timing system idler and pulley which may have a shorter operational
life than the timing belt".

What are your impressions on this statement? Applicable to Subaru's?
Applicable to some other make? Hype to sell more parts? With no personal
experience, I'm guessing that the latter is true but would be interested
if anyone has info that is better than my SWAG.

It's a little hard to know what they are talking
about. On the 2.5 engine, there are a total of
4 idler pulleys, 2 smooth fixed, 1 smooth toothed
and 1 smooth on the tensioner. I'm all for changing
te tensioner, including the pulley because it's the
only way it comes. I haven't heard any recommendation
to change the others as a preventative measure.

Every time I've had a bearing fail, it let me know
long before it died by making noise. If I hear anything
strange under there, I'll pull it apart and find out.

 

[TG]

When timing belt replacement is discussed here, replacing other trouble
prone items (water pump, seals, external belts) usually gets a mention.
Subarus have more than one idler and a tensioner. I spin the idlers and
replace them if noisy...usually 250,000 miles or so. The tensioner never
gets checked by me but is replaced at about 200,000 miles....every other
time I do the belt. Replacing all of the idlers prematurely would be very
expensive. When they are getting real worn you will know it. TG

 

[BoB]

When timing belt replacement is discussed here, replacing other trouble
prone items (water pump, seals, external belts) usually gets a mention.
Subarus have more than one idler and a tensioner. I spin the idlers and
replace them if noisy...usually 250,000 miles or so. The tensioner never
gets checked by me but is replaced at about 200,000 miles....every other
time I do the belt. Replacing all of the idlers prematurely would be very
expensive. When they are getting real worn you will know it. TG

Thanks TG and Jim.

BoB