Timing belt replacement, and what else...???

[PomBstard]

I put this in GG originally, but probably better placed here...

The time has come to get the timing belt done on the Forester. It’s a 2007 model that we’ve had from new, and have no intention of selling it. With that in mind, I’m thinking that it might be a good idea to get other bits done as part of the same job, but what else? Water pump will be done anyway.

I’ve only needed to get this work done on two other cars in the past, and as I was selling them shortly after, they were just belt and water pump jobs. Tensioners have been suggested, and apparently there’s a couple of oil seals that are easier to get at with the belt out of the way.

Any other stuff people get done at the same time??

[ohtari]

With the timing belt off:

All the pulleys and a new tensioner
Water pump
Thermostat (rad is out so may as well)

Seals wise, front crankshaft seal is recommended and there are the 4 camshaft seals.

[Richair]

Add removing the oil pump and checking the back plate to that list. A must for a timing belt change if you have no record of this having been done already! It only needs doing once... I used a tiny bit of thread lock on the screws when I did mine, you'll need the correct sized Phillips screws bit to undo the backing plate, an impact wrench and a vice are helpful for a nice clean job. Also the pump need to be primed with assembly lube or Vaseline upon reassembly.

[PomBstard]

Thanks for that lot - just the sort of info I was after

[PomBstard]

Got that little lot done over the last two days, to which I also added...

New plugs
Air filter
Fuel filter
Engine oil
Gearbox oil
Diff oil
Brake fluid
Coolant (obvs...)

Not sure if its psychological, but it does feel a bit sharper now.

Total came in at around 50% of market value of the car and it'll need new brake pads in a few months, plus the clutch is starting to feel a bit stiff. Having said that, other than the AC kit needing to be replaced, it's cost just servicing for the last eight and a half years, so if it keeps that record up until 2024 I shall be happy

[nw942]

Cabin/pollen filter?

The cabin filter and the brake pads are easy to do yourself, although the brakes may need some elbow grease.

[themanwithnoname]

Mine felt a little bit more aggressive for a few days until the belt settled, or I got used to it.

Sounds like you got all the bases covered anyway.