I have approx 55k miles on my 02 WRX, I have heard of so many different recommended mileages to change the Timing belt, everything from 60k-120k. Has anyone experienced a belt failure from waiting too long? Any suggestions? :confused:

I have approx 55k miles on my 02 WRX, I have heard of so many different recommended mileages to change the Timing belt, everything from 60k-120k. Has anyone experienced a belt failure from waiting too long? Any suggestions? :confused:

The factory recomends 105k. I'm currently at 109k, and I'm working on getting it done very soon.

Great thanks! I guess I have a little ways to go :D

I'm at 92,300 miles and will get the T-belt, water pump and maybe the tensioner changed at about 100,000 miles

sweet! thats great news. one thing less to do for the tune up

Changing the waterpump at the same time is a good idea. Doesn't cost much more once everything else is apart but is spendy to do by itself.

I didn't know that the waterpump was a part that needed to be replaced that early.

The water pump may not "need" to be replaced, however since it is driven by the timing belt and located behind the timing covers, it's usually done as a preventive measure at the same time the belt is replaced since everything is already apart.

Cheap insurance for < $100.

Do modifications such as exhaust, boost controller, etc. affect timing belt life?

bump...

Here is my complete list of parts to change out on a 2002 WRX if your planning on keeping the car for another 50-100k. If you have any other suggestions or corrections let me know. I am actually getting ready to do this myself and this is what I came up with so far:

Cam (Timing) Belt - 13028AA200
Water pump - 21111AA026
Water pump gasket - 21114AA051
Oil pump seal - 806733030
Oil pump o-ring - 10991AA000
Thermostat - 21200AA072
thermostat gasket - 2136AA010
Cam seals (need 4) - 806732160
Idler bearing (need 2) - 13073AA002
Tensioner Assy - 13033AA002
Idler Pulley - 13073AA142

nevermind...

I’m confused now. Did the factory recommendation change for this or something? Last time I checked the recommended service table in my manual replacing the timing belt is part of the 60K service, 03 wrx btw. At least that’s what I remember. I’m confused now about when it should be changed? :confused:

The table I'm looking at is from the 2002 WRX service manual. It shows the 60K list as being the same as the 30K list with the additional of plugs. Drive and camshaft belts are at 105 like the previous poster says.

do modifications such as exhaust, utec, boost controllers, etc. affect timing belt life? does heat affect it? what exactly does affect the life of timing belts?

The table I'm looking at is from the 2002 WRX service manual. It shows the 60K list as being the same as the 30K list with the additional of plugs. Drive and camshaft belts are at 105 like the previous poster says.I checked it last night and it does say to replace it at 105K and not 60K. I need to work on my reading skills. :lol:

do modifications such as exhaust, utec, boost controllers, etc. affect timing belt life? does heat affect it? what exactly does affect the life of timing belts?

anybody wanna answer my question?

My opinion is that the major things affecting belt life is, oil on the belt, a frozen water pump/idler pullies. JMHO

We do recommend a timing belt change at 105k as a preventive measure if it has not yet been replaced. When a timing belt breaks it can do quite a bit of extra damage such as the pulleys, adjuster, timing covers, etc... When replacing the timing belt we generally replace the cam and crank seals, water pump, and thermostat along with the associated gaskets.

You can save a considerable amount of money by picking up the parts from a vendor like myself and gathering up some locals to help you with the job. I also have a couple of copies of End Wrench magazine by Subaru which offers instructions on how to change your timing belt if you would be interested.

Thanks,
Jackie
Wilkins Subaru
410-689-8061
subparts@wilkinsautomotive.com

My opinion is that the major things affecting belt life is, oil on the belt, a frozen water pump/idler pullies. JMHO

are those the only two or does anything else do it? is there any reason why a timing belt would need to be replaced at 60k instead of 105k? Is there a reason dealerships recommend doing it at 60k other than the fact that they want to rip us off?

are those the only two or does anything else do it? is there any reason why a timing belt would need to be replaced at 60k instead of 105k? Is there a reason dealerships recommend doing it at 60k other than the fact that they want to rip us off?

A mechanic I talked to said the belt does wear out faster when you run the car near redline all the time. Also people that like to keep the revs over 4500 rpm's so they can have instant boost. Then your belt will wear more quickly.

I think Subaru knew what they were doing though when they recommend the timing belt change at 105k. I'm sure there is a safety factor built into that number for the people that beat on their cars...

A mechanic I talked to said the belt does wear out faster when you run the car near redline all the time. Also people that like to keep the revs over 4500 rpm's so they can have instant boost. Then your belt will wear more quickly.

I think Subaru knew what they were doing though when they recommend the timing belt change at 105k. I'm sure there is a safety factor built into that number for the people that beat on their cars...

90% of the time, i shift at 3k...so I think I can wait till 105k to change my timing belt. I was wondering whether I had to do it sooner since i have mods...but I guess not

90% of the time, i shift at 3k...so I think I can wait till 105k to change my timing belt. I was wondering whether I had to do it sooner since i have mods...but I guess not

You should be fine. I live in Phoenix where we get up to 110+ during the summer and I have mods on my car to the equivilent of a turboxs stage 4 setup. 80% of the time I drive pretty mild shifting by 3500 rpms, and 20% I play around with the power. Like I said previously I now have 109k miles and I'm getting all the parts ready for the replacement.