? Does a 2008 Subaru Outback have a timing "belt" or "chain"? (Audi, engines)

[Hunter Wold]

It is a 4 cylinder. The dealer says it is a belt; other dealers say it is a chain??

When should it be changed?

Thanks in advance.

HW

[Me007gold]

Google is telling me its a belt, I would assume its the same as any other timing belt 80-100k miles

[sunsprit]

Timing Belt, 100K service interval.

[Retriever]

Originally Posted by sunsprit

Timing Belt, 100K service interval.

That's pretty close.
The actual interval is 105k or 8 years, whichever comes first.
So, although this car does not yet have enough elapsed time under its belt (no pun intended) for a timing belt change, it might have racked up something in the area of 105k miles, and may be due for this maintenance.

So--to clarify the possible confusion between dealerships:
The 4-cylinder model utilizes a timing belt.
The more desirable 6-cylinder model utilizes a timing chain.

Timing chains are not replaced proactively, and may last for the life of the engine.
Usually, a timing chain will give some warning of its impending demise by making rattling sounds inside the chain cover as it loosens.
By contrast, a timing belt will give no audible or visual warning that it is nearing the end, and a timing belt that looks good can wind up breaking 5 miles down the road.

That reality, coupled with the fact that this engine--like most modern 4 cylinder engines--is of the "interference" design, means that when the timing belt breaks, valves and pistons will collide, resulting in...extensive internal engine repairs.

If you replace the timing belt proactively--along with the water pump, serpentine belt, and all belt tensioners, the job may run anywhere from $350-$700, depending on where you live and where you have the work done.

If the timing belt snaps, you are probably looking at engine repairs in the $1,500 range, in addition to the cost of the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, and all belt tensioners.

[Hunter Wold]

Originally Posted by Retriever

That's pretty close.
The actual interval is 105k or 8 years, whichever comes first.
So, although this car does not yet have enough elapsed time under its belt (no pun intended) for a timing belt change, it might have racked up something in the area of 105k miles, and may be due for this maintenance.

So--to clarify the possible confusion between dealerships:
The 4-cylinder model utilizes a timing belt.
The more desirable 6-cylinder model utilizes a timing chain.

Timing chains are not replaced proactively, and may last for the life of the engine.
Usually, a timing chain will give some warning of its impending demise by making rattling sounds inside the chain cover as it loosens.
By contrast, a timing belt will give no audible or visual warning that it is nearing the end, and a timing belt that looks good can wind up breaking 5 miles down the road.

That reality, coupled with the fact that this engine--like most modern 4 cylinder engines--is of the "interference" design, means that when the timing belt breaks, valves and pistons will collide, resulting in...extensive internal engine repairs.

If you replace the timing belt proactively--along with the water pump, serpentine belt, and all belt tensioners, the job may run anywhere from $350-$700, depending on where you live and where you have the work done.

If the timing belt snaps, you are probably looking at engine repairs in the $1,500 range, in addition to the cost of the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, and all belt tensioners.

Ok, thanks a lot...doing it next week.

[M3 Mitch]

One comment, make sure you are getting high-quality parts, this ain't a good place to cheap out. I have heard of some of the cheaper timing belt kits not going 30K miles.

If you get genuine Subaru parts, you will pay more for them, but you know they are good.

You don't want the shop with the lowest bid for labor, either, probably. This needs to be done right.