There's some strange noise coming from behind the timing belt cover around where the tensioner is. The motor's just about at the 60k mark anyways, so I'm going to go ahead and replace the belt and water pump and check out the tensioner while it's exposed.

I'd like to be prepared to replace it if necessary, so I need to know what part I can use. I had no problem searching around here to find part numbers for the belt and pump, but I don't see any prior discussion of tensioners. Can anyone confirm whether or not the EJ20g tensioner is any different from a USDM WRX one? A part number would be especially helpful.

Thanks!

-Rob

It is different. It is the early long cast one. Part # 13068 AA051
Same as an Ej22E or Ej22T or Ej18 tensioner...

Sweet, glad I asked. Thanks!

sorry to bump a old thread but do you guys know if this applies to a 97 ej20k sti motor?

The EJ20K probably has the same tensioner as the USDM WRX, but since they changed tensioner style around 1997-1998 it's unclear which one's on your engine.

My '97 Ej20K uses the old style tentioner, but you can't be sure until you pull the covers. Just wait to buy the replacement part until you can see what you need...

does the noise sound like a bad bearing? i have a bad bearing on one of my timing belt tensioners. actually i already changed one and i have another bad one. im assuming its from my engine sitting before i purchased it. i only have about 35k miles on my usdm ej20. kyle

It's uncommon for idlers to wear out that quickly; normally they go at 60-100k miles.