Which subarus have a timing chain?
When it comes to maintaining your Subaru, understanding whether your vehicle uses a timing chain or a timing belt is crucial. Timing chains and belts play a vital role in synchronizing the engine's camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring smooth operation. In this article, we’ll explore which Subaru models are equipped with timing chains and why this matters for your vehicle's maintenance.
What Is the Difference Between a Timing Chain and a Timing Belt?
Before diving into specific Subaru models, it’s important to understand the difference between a timing chain and a timing belt:
- Timing Chain: Made of metal, timing chains are durable and typically last the lifetime of the engine with proper maintenance. They require less frequent replacement but may need occasional tensioner adjustments.
- Timing Belt: Made of reinforced rubber, timing belts are quieter but require replacement at regular intervals, usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle.
Subaru has transitioned many of its models from timing belts to timing chains over the years, offering drivers a more maintenance-free experience.
Subaru Models with Timing Chains
Subaru began incorporating timing chains into its engines starting in the early 2010s. Here’s a breakdown of the models equipped with timing chains:
- Subaru Outback: Models equipped with the FB-series engines (introduced in 2011) use timing chains. This includes most 2.5L engines from 2013 onward.
- Subaru Forester: Starting in 2011, Foresters with the FB-series engines transitioned to timing chains.
- Subaru Impreza: Models from 2012 onward with FB-series engines feature timing chains.
- Subaru Crosstrek: All Crosstrek models, introduced in 2013, are equipped with timing chains.
- Subaru Legacy: Legacy models with FB-series engines, starting in 2013, use timing chains.
- Subaru Ascent: The Ascent, introduced in 2019, comes standard with a timing chain.
Why Timing Chains Are Beneficial
Subaru’s shift to timing chains offers several advantages for vehicle owners:
- Longevity: Timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine, reducing the need for costly replacements.
- Durability: Made of metal, timing chains are more resistant to wear and tear compared to rubber timing belts.
- Lower Maintenance Costs: While timing chains may require occasional tensioner adjustments, they eliminate the need for periodic belt replacements.
How to Determine If Your Subaru Has a Timing Chain
If you’re unsure whether your Subaru has a timing chain or a timing belt, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check your owner’s manual for engine specifications and maintenance schedules.
- Look up your vehicle’s engine type. Subaru’s FB-series engines are equipped with timing chains, while older EJ-series engines typically use timing belts.
- Consult a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for expert advice.
Conclusion
Understanding whether your Subaru has a timing chain or a timing belt is essential for proper maintenance and long-term reliability. Most newer Subaru models, particularly those with FB-series engines, are equipped with timing chains, offering drivers peace of mind and reduced maintenance costs. If you have questions about your Subaru’s engine or need assistance with maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for expert guidance and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Subaru timing chains need to be replaced?
They may only need to get new timing chains after driving for a full one hundred and twenty thousand miles. It should take years for most drivers to get to that point. Customers who recently purchased used Subaru vehicles should usually get the automotive timing chains checked.
What year did Subaru go to a timing chain?
Commonly found on most Subaru vehicles built in the 1990s and early 2000s, the EJ family of engines all feature timing belts. But, in 2010, the new FB family of engines featured an all-new design including a timing chain.
How do I know if my Subaru has a timing belt or chain?
Cars with a timing belt have a plastic cover near the engine block (often to the left-hand side), which provides easy access to the belt. It needs changing at regular intervals, which is why the removable cover is necessary. In cars with a timing chain, you won't see a plastic cover.
Does the Subaru Boxer engine have a timing belt or chain?
Today, many Subaru BOXER® engines are equipped with a timing chain that should not require any maintenance.
Can a timing chain last 200 000 miles?
Timing chains can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before they require repair or sustain damage. But once they do, they must be replaced without fail as they can break off entirely, therefore causing the engine to fail.
Does a Subaru Forester have a timing chain or belt?
Newer models use timing belts made of polyurethane and Kevlar for long life and durability.
Which Subaru has a timing chain?
All Foresters from 2011 onward (2014 for the XT) have a timing chain.
What years did Subaru have CVT problems?
The models and years that were affected mainly by transmission issues are:
- Crosstrek, 2013 – 2015.
- Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014 – 2015.
- Forester (2.0 and 2.5 liter engines), 2014 – 2015.
- Impreza, 2012 – 2015.
- Legacy, 2010 – 2015.
- Legacy 3.6L V6, 2015.
- Outback, 2010 – 2015.
- Outback 3.6L V6, 2015.
How long does a Subaru timing chain last?
A timing chain is bulkier and louder; however, it does not require replacement. Though a repair might be necessary in some rare occasions, most timing chains last for the entire life of the engine.
Why is the Subaru boxer engine so good?
The intentionally low placement of a boxer engine on top of a vehicle's chassis and even weight distribution create a lower center of gravity compared to other engine types. This enhances a vehicle's stability, responsiveness, and grip.