Upcoming timing belt change: what else?

[JoeZZLevy]

I've got a 2001 Forester (U.S.), coming up on 105K miles. That's when they
recommend the timing belt change. So I'm thinking up what else I should
have done at the same time. I have every intention of keeping the car for
at least another 105K.

Camshaft seals; certainly.
Crankshaft seal, ditto.
Timing belt tensioner, replaced about 20K miles ago.
Reseal the oil pump (showing signs of seapage).

Replace water pump? I'd be inclined to do so - but my mechanic says they
usually don't replace the water pumps with the timing belt. Your thoughts?

What am I forgetting?

Thanks,
Joe (remove double-zeds for e-mail)
(e-mail address removed)

 

[bgd]

Sounds just like an old one with the chores.
Water pump is usually time related, unless you have other circumstances,
like 30 below winters, low on fluids, blah blah blah.
You wouldn't think it would need the other seals either... but it is your
decision.

 

[Todd H.]

I've got a 2001 Forester (U.S.), coming up on 105K miles. That's when they
recommend the timing belt change. So I'm thinking up what else I should
have done at the same time. I have every intention of keeping the car for
at least another 105K.

Camshaft seals; certainly.
Crankshaft seal, ditto.
Timing belt tensioner, replaced about 20K miles ago.
Reseal the oil pump (showing signs of seapage).

Replace water pump? I'd be inclined to do so - but my mechanic says they
usually don't replace the water pumps with the timing belt. Your
thoughts?

My mechanic says unless cost is extremely sensitive, he always
replaces water pumps with new items at the same time. But he wasn't
a Subaru only sort of guy.

In every prior vehicle I've had, the recommendation to do the water
pump while you had it torn apart for the timing belt anyway was money
well spent. Dunno is these boxers are any different though.

Best Regards,

 

[John Varela]

My mechanic says unless cost is extremely sensitive, he always replaces water

pumps with new items at the same time.

Thus making a few extra bucks for the next boat payment.

 

[S]

Hi Joe!

I've got a 2001 Forester (U.S.), coming up on 105K miles. That's when they
recommend the timing belt change. So I'm thinking up what else I should
have done at the same time. I have every intention of keeping the car for
at least another 105K.

Camshaft seals; certainly.
Crankshaft seal, ditto.
Timing belt tensioner, replaced about 20K miles ago.
Reseal the oil pump (showing signs of seapage).

Replace water pump? I'd be inclined to do so - but my mechanic says they
usually don't replace the water pumps with the timing belt. Your thoughts?

Timing belt.
All idler pulleys, including tensioner. (unless they are _perfect_)
Front seal.
Consider replacing oil pump; it has to be removed anyway to do the
seal.
Water pump.
Thermostat (use OEM).
Thermostat housing. (A cheap-o plastic part, prone to warpage/leaks)
Both radiator hoses.
Flush coolant system.
AC and PS belts.
AC belt idler pulley.
Cam seals probably optional; if you do, replace the valve cover "O"
rings and sealing washers while you're at it.
At 100K, probably worthwhile to replace spark plugs and wires, tho not
really timing belt related service item.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[JoeZZLevy]

Steve,

Thanks for the comprehensive list. If there's a "rule" I'm trying to stick
to, it's something like "replace wear items if most of the labor is already
done as part of the timing belt replacement".

So the thermostat and housing don't make the cut - they're easy to replace
anytime. Ditto for the upper radiator hose. The lower hose is a pain even
to inspect, and it's a cheap part, and easy to replace when the timing belt
is done, so doing that now makes good sense.

Joe

 

[volcko]

Steve,

Thanks for the comprehensive list. If there's a "rule" I'm trying to stick
to, it's something like "replace wear items if most of the labor is already
done as part of the timing belt replacement".

So the thermostat and housing don't make the cut - they're easy to replace
anytime. Ditto for the upper radiator hose. The lower hose is a pain even
to inspect, and it's a cheap part, and easy to replace when the timing belt
is done, so doing that now makes good sense.

Joe

Is the harmonic balancer bolt right or left hand thread?

Thank