1999 Subaru Legacy Broken timing belt

ROSSGOLDBERG

MEMBER
1999 SUBARU LEGACY
4 CYL
AWD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

Timing belt broke. I'm being quoted about $1200 for the replacement. The repair shop tells me that you don't know if the engine has been damaged until the belt has been replaced and that many times there are alot more repairs to do after the belt has been replaced. What is your experience with this? My car has been serviced at this shop before and my office has also had good success with them.

Friday, March 27th, 2009 AT 8:19 PM

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

The shop is right, you wouldn't know until you tear apart the engine to check for bent valves, which will take a lot more labor. That is why they usually just replace the belt to see everything to work. If not, then they will tear apart to replace everything else.
If you have 2.5L, you will definitely have to replace some bent valves. I am not positive if the 2.2L will do the same.

At the same time, you should replace the tensioner and idler pulley, and the water pump as well.

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Friday, March 27th, 2009 AT 10:51 PM