How often should I change the serpentine belt on my Subaru?
Most Subaru owners should plan a serpentine belt replacement roughly every 60,000–100,000 miles, or about 5–7 years, whichever comes first. Always check your owner’s manual for your specific model and talk to your mechanic if you’re unsure; inspect the belt periodically for wear.
The serpentine belt drives multiple engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. If the belt fails or slips, you can lose charging, steering assist, and climate control, and you could be stranded. Regular inspection and timely replacement are part of routine Subaru maintenance.
What affects when you should replace it
Several factors influence the exact replacement timing. Consider these common influencers as you plan maintenance.
- Model and engine type: Different Subaru engines have different belt life characteristics; some may show wear earlier than others.
- Driving conditions: Hot climates, frequent heavy loads, and lots of stop‑and‑go driving can accelerate belt wear.
- Maintenance history: If tensioners, pulleys, or bearings are worn, belt life is reduced even if miles are low.
- Visible wear and noises: Cracks, fraying, glazing, missing ribs, or squealing noises indicate a belt likely needs replacement.
- Environment and climate: Dusty or salty roads, humidity, and temperature extremes can shorten belt life.
In practice, these factors determine the precise interval for your vehicle. If you notice signs of wear or noise, plan a replacement promptly and consult a qualified technician for an assessment.
Practical replacement steps
When planning a serpentine-belt change, there are standard steps that help ensure reliability and prevent future failures.
- Replace the belt along with the tensioner and idler pulleys if they show wear or have any play in their bearings.
- Use an OEM or high-quality equivalent belt that matches your engine’s belt routing and size.
- Verify proper belt routing and tension according to the factory specifications for your model.
- Inspect the belt grooves and pulleys for damage or debris that could cause premature wear.
- After installation, start the engine and listen for abnormal noises; check for proper belt alignment and operation of all driven accessories.
These steps help reduce the chance of an early belt failure and extend the life of the replacement assembly.
Model-specific considerations
Timing belts vs. timing chains and their relation to the serpentine belt
Subaru engines use both timing belts (in older designs) and timing chains (in many newer designs). The timing belt typically drives the water pump and is replaced at its own interval (often around 105,000 miles on older models), while the serpentine belt has its separate service life (commonly 60,000–100,000 miles). Even when a timing belt is present, the serpentine belt remains a wear item and should be inspected regularly. Always confirm with your Subaru’s manual or a dealer service advisor, as exact intervals can vary by engine family and year.
Summary
For most Subaru models, plan to replace the serpentine belt every 60,000–100,000 miles (roughly 5–7 years), though exact intervals depend on your engine, driving conditions, and maintenance history. Inspect the belt for cracks, wear, and noise, and consider replacing the tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time to prevent premature failure. When in doubt, follow your owner’s manual and consult a trusted technician to tailor the schedule to your vehicle.
How long do serpentine belts last on a Subaru?
Most serpentine belts last for 50,000 miles or more. Consult your Subaru owner's manual for details on your specific vehicle. Symptoms that point to a failing serpentine belt generally appear as poor performance from accessories, rather than driving performance.
How do I know if my serpentine belt needs replacing?
Signs Your Serpentine Belt Needs to Be Replaced
- Squealing or chirping noises coming from the engine, especially when you start the vehicle or use accessories like the air conditioner.
- Visible cracks, fraying, or missing chunks in the belt.
- Power steering or air conditioning not working properly.
How often does a serpentine belt need to be replaced?
60,000–100,000 miles
Under ideal circumstances, a serpentine belt will last 60,000–100,000 miles. It's important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance, even if it looks okay. You don't want this car part to break while you're on the road.
What year did Subaru get rid of the timing belt?
But most prior to 2012 or 2010. Will be a belt driven engine now the belt driven engines of late were the EJ. Series that includes but not limited to the EJ18 EJ20 EJ22 and EJ25.
