Subaru Camshaft Drive Belt

This Subaru timing belt keeps the engine’s crankshaft and camshafts perfectly synchronized. Precise valve timing means smooth idle, strong torque, clean emissions, and good fuel economy. Built from heat‑resistant rubber with high‑strength fiber cords, it resists stretch, oil splash, and abrasion for long, quiet service.

How it works ⏱️

The toothed belt meshes with crank and cam sprockets while a tensioner and idlers hold exact tension. Every two rotations of the crank deliver one rotation of the cams, so intake and exhaust valves open at the correct millisecond. In many setups it also drives the water pump, keeping coolant flow steady.

Why replacement matters

Wear, age, or oil contamination can crack the rubber or shear teeth. A slipped tooth causes rough running, misfire, loss of power, and hard starting. If the belt snaps, the engine stops instantly. On interference engines, valves can hit pistons, bending valves and damaging guides—an expensive repair.

Service tips ✅

Inspect around 30,000 miles and replace per schedule (typically 60,000–105,000 miles). Always install with new tensioner and idlers, and consider the water pump. Align timing marks, torque fasteners correctly, and hand‑rotate the crank two turns before first start. Keep covers sealed to prevent oil ingress.

Compatibility

• Legacy
• Impreza
• Forester