Questions regarding timing belt change on 2004 WRX

[bluerex527]

I have recently put a lot of thought into changing my timing belt very soon. I have 78k on the car and would like to get this done as soon as possible.

My questions are:

Does anyone on the forum remember what they paid to get their's replaced? I was also thinking about doing the water pump at this time, and what the hell, a Perrin Crank Pulley. I was also planning on doing the belt tensioner.

I have a private mechanic that my father and I have used for years. You've probably heard of it, Asian Auto in Plaistow. Mark is a certified Scooby Tech and does exceptional work. Has anyone gone to him to get this done?

I plan on putting in a few calls to Mark at Asian Auto as well as the nearby dealerships in NH to get quotes on what I could expect.

Does anyone else have suggestions on what else I should potentially have done?

Any feedback would be great.

[Bu11dogg2]

$550-$750 with water pump

I believe it's 2.5 hours in labor and $400 in parts.

Timing belt's not due until 110k on your car.

I'd go with the Gates Kit, Subaruwrxparts.com has them on sale.

[bluerex527]

Thanks for your input. I actually just checked out the Gates kit online. I am aware that the timing belt is not due until 110k miles, but I don't want to take any chances. My buddy's timing belt just went in his WRX at 70k miles.

[Bu11dogg2]

he must have a bad seal on his cover or a oil/coolant leak.

[bluerex527]

I believe it was the seal. He's had a laundry list of problems with his car since he got it, so I'm not surprised to tell you the truth.

How willing do you think shops will be on me bringing in the parts and just charging me labor? I've always just had my mechanics buy the parts and replace them.

[Bu11dogg2]

your best bet is to bring your own parts in.

They won't warranty the part and some may not warranty the work.

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

What Randy said pretty much sums it up. Timing belt is typically done at 105k-115k miles, doing it early is obviously ok and some of my customers have preferred to do it as early as 60k.

Here at the dealership, for the typical walk-in customer, we usually just do the Belt and Tensioner, adding in any parts the technician feels that replacement is needed for (i.e. idlers, water pump).

Since most of my internet customers are modders, I usually recommend a full kit (Belt, Tensioner, Idlers and Water Pump). OEM replacement parts are certainly an option but the Gates kits are made to OEM specifications and will hold up a little bit longer.

Most mechanics/shops won't mind you bringing in your own parts. They simply won't warranty the parts, just the labor.

Nick

[Boostinbildo]

Doing it that early is ridiculous, but if you do it you might as well throw a new thermostat in too.

I changed mine in my old wrx at 100k and my buddy who did it said there wasnt a single sign of wear at all, since it was still a bit early...

[Service@ExeterSubaru]

Hello, Terry from Exeter Subaru Service Dept. here. If a timing belt/tensioner replacement is something you would like a quote on, feel free to call at 603-778-0300, PM at service@exetersubaru.com , or PM me here! Thanks very much and have a great day!

[bluerex527]

I appreciate your help everyone. From the sounds of it, looks like I can stretch this a lot longer and hold off.

[subaru_crazy]

it wouldn't hurt to do a oil pump. specialy if you plan on modding your suby like an upgrade to a high volume pump.