Timing belt replacement

I am about to replace the timing belt in my 96 LSI (60k miles). Is it recommended to replace idler bearings (4 total I believe) and 4 idler and 1 tension pulley? There is also a hydrolic tensioner and pulley, are these to be replaced as well?
I appologize for the wording, my mechanic asked these questions?
Any other items to be replaced when doing this?

Mine replaced a tensioner, but I was not aware of all the items you mentioned. Somehow I would think many of these items are designed to last longer than the belt itslef. But don't take my word. Others here will definitely know more.

Originally Posted by scatman22

I am about to replace the timing belt in my 96 LSI (60k miles). Is it recommended to replace idler bearings (4 total I believe) and 4 idler and 1 tension pulley? There is also a hydrolic tensioner and pulley, are these to be replaced as well?
I appologize for the wording, my mechanic asked these questions?
Any other items to be replaced when doing this?

There is no specific recommendation from Subaru to replace anything else when you change the timing belt. Some people like changing water pumps, idlers, tensioners....etc......it's up to you and your money to decide what else to change.



Dave

P.S. the timing belt is a hefty beast that can EASILY go way past 60k. I did my last one after the belt had gone 100k.

[immortal_suby]

FWIW - I have never replaced the tensioner bearings and have 215k on one svx and 160k on the other without a failure.

60k is pretty early to do the belts. I'd personally wait until about 80k and then do the water pump and oil pump and front main seal & cam seals at the same time. Every belt I have taken off so far has appeared to be brand new - even at 100k miles. Looks could be deceiving though - there is no telling what internal stress damage has been done.
It won't hurt to do it early though.

[blacknite]

If The Mechanic Is Not Really Going To Charge Any Extra Exept For The Parts. Well Take Advantage Of It, The Water Pump I Think Is A Plus...... And The Seals

[Sidewinder]

Originally Posted by billisa

Mine replaced a tensioner, but I was not aware of all the items you mentioned. Somehow I would think many of these items are designed to last longer than the belt itslef. But don't take my word. Others here will definitely know more.

Given the nature of such products, I'd say a safety factor was built into the product. They recommend you replace the belt every 60k, but if they built a safety factor of 1.5 in, then you're good for 90k. Probably wise to adhere to the manual though, and replace it. As for the mechanical components, I doubt you should need to replace them, as they're made of good material and shouldn't experience failure.

[SVX-FF]

Originally Posted by immortal_suby

60k is pretty early to do the belts. I'd personally wait until about 80k and then do the water pump and oil pump and front main seal & cam seals at the same time. Every belt I have taken off so far has appeared to be brand new - even at 100k miles. Looks could be deceiving though - there is no telling what internal stress damage has been done.
It won't hurt to do it early though.

I second that

All in favor say "I"


Steve

[Beav]

I've had a couple customers that unhappily experienced water pumps seizing and destroying the tensioner and idler pulleys. They had their belts replaced (one at the dealer) and later the damage occured. Just my reason for recommending at least the water pump in addition. Typically the seals and oil pump o-ring will be leaking, even if only a small bit. For their small additional price I'd give them serious consideration.

I can't recall when the law was passed but some cry-baby in California made a huge case and since then all manufacturers that employ timing belts in their engines must warranty them for a minimum of 105,000 miles. So... Personally I've never seen an SVX belt go bad with less than 100,000 miles but most will have required a water pump and seals replaced before that.

Thank you so much for the responses. I will monitor the h2o pump and replace all at 80k.