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Old 10-11-2009, 12:45 AM   #1
Pinned
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Default Timing belt cover and checking the timing belt

So I have the replace my left timing belt cover as it has a hole in it. While I'm doing this is there a quick or easy way to check out the timing belt just to make sure it is OK? Should I do a visual inspection? If so what should I look for?

It's a 2004 WRX engine by the way.

Thanks for any help.
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Old 10-11-2009, 11:01 PM   #2
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You don't "check" the timing belt. You replace it at 105k....that's it.....replace.
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Old 10-12-2009, 02:10 AM   #3
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Alright, thanks. I was just a bit worried about premature wear since there is a small hole in the rear left timing belt cover, possibly exposing the belt to the elements more than normal. I was told it wasn't a big deal, but I figured it would be better to double check.
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Old 10-12-2009, 08:57 PM   #4
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since you will have the cover off anyways, it can't hurt to take a good look at it. If you see any fraying or cracks then you should replace it. Timing belts are tough so unless you see something out of the ordinary then I wouldn't worry about it. How many miles do you have on your car?
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Old 10-13-2009, 02:30 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slc ya View Post
since you will have the cover off anyways, it can't hurt to take a good look at it. If you see any fraying or cracks then you should replace it. Timing belts are tough so unless you see something out of the ordinary then I wouldn't worry about it. How many miles do you have on your car?
The engine was custom built, blew a road bearing and was then rebuilt. The block has about 70,000 on it, but I'm not really sure about the timing belt.
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Old 10-22-2010, 09:36 AM   #6
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^^^

I'm in the same boat. The engine in my 02 WRX wagon was rebuilt by the previos owner and he claimed the motor only has about 70k on it. not sure on the timing belt. I think I'll just freakin change it for peace of mind.

Seth
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Old 10-25-2010, 01:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
You don't "check" the timing belt. You replace it at 105k....that's it.....replace.
to add to that, its also 105 months, which is what 02's are starting to fall into now. Even if you have an '02 with under 105k miles, its time to replace!
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Old 10-27-2010, 12:47 PM   #8
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Question

Thanks for the info guys. Now, this is going to be a horribly trivial question, but I wanted to ask before I try. Can I remove the left side timing belt cover to inspect? I want to see the belt before I make another trip to my local dealer and spend another *** load of cash. Thanks for your help and patients. This has been an awsome forum for all my scooby noobie questions ^_^.

Seth
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Old 10-29-2010, 10:02 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by c10seth View Post
Thanks for the info guys. Now, this is going to be a horribly trivial question, but I wanted to ask before I try. Can I remove the left side timing belt cover to inspect? I want to see the belt before I make another trip to my local dealer and spend another *** load of cash. Thanks for your help and patients. This has been an awsome forum for all my scooby noobie questions ^_^.

Seth
Update: I said screw it and decided to have the dealership install a new timing belt and idler pulley. The peace of mind is worth the $700 bone.

Seth
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Old 11-04-2010, 10:22 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinned View Post
Alright, thanks. I was just a bit worried about premature wear since there is a small hole in the rear left timing belt cover, possibly exposing the belt to the elements more than normal. I was told it wasn't a big deal, but I figured it would be better to double check.
If it's the rear cover that's broken, you'll need to pull both of the cam gear pulleys to change it anyway. This means the belts coming off regardless, and as such, I'd recommend replacement. I just did this the other night, and it was around 2 hours round trip. Make sure you find a hardened 10mm for the pulley bolts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by c10seth View Post
Update: I said screw it and decided to have the stealership install a new timing belt and idler pulley. The peace of mind is worth the $700 bone.

Seth
Fixed. I just threw up a little in my mouth. Sounds WAY high. I'd shop around for a good indie, or find someone local to give you a hand.
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Old 11-04-2010, 10:28 AM   #11
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Stealership is right even though I'm happy I did it if that makes any sense. My wagon is my only car and the dealership may charge out the ***, but they do a good job, on time, have a good loaner car and I trust the tech who does the work on my car. The idler pulley was loose and the belt was begining to eat into the bracket. I'll post some pics up later.

Seth
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Old 11-07-2010, 01:22 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X Mon View Post
If it's the rear cover that's broken, you'll need to pull both of the cam gear pulleys to change it anyway. This means the belts coming off regardless, and as such, I'd recommend replacement. I just did this the other night, and it was around 2 hours round trip. Make sure you find a hardened 10mm for the pulley bolts.



Fixed. I just threw up a little in my mouth. Sounds WAY high. I'd shop around for a good indie, or find someone local to give you a hand.
Thanks for the advice, but I had the timing belt done and the cover repaired nearly a year ago.

Also, $700 isn't bad if it included the tensioner and water pump. If it didn't, then I absolutely agree with you.
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Old 11-08-2010, 10:17 AM   #13
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Also when doing the timing belt you should do the idler pulleys as well.

We do a service for $850 which includes the Idlers, Tensioner, Belt, Water Pump, T-stat, and the WP and TS gaskets, and of course a coolant flush. When done in conjunction with the 90k service it drops to $750.

-mike
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Old 12-27-2015, 06:42 PM   #14
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Can you just replace the driver's side outer timing belt cover without taking the belts and pulley off?
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Old 12-28-2015, 12:09 AM   #15
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Yes. Depending on the engine it'll either be three or four bolts that hold it on. You may need to pull the coolant overflow bottle.
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