How to replace the serpentine belt on a 2.5L Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester and more
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- This video provides detailed help in replacing a worn or broken serpentine belt on many late model 2.5L Subaru models such as Legacy, Outback, Forester and Impreza.
Even for those who may not be very mechanically inclined, this is a 15-minute job. Spent a little extra $$ on a nice belt, saved the cost and time of a dealership visit, and it gave me a chance to inspect other areas of the engine bay while I was in there. Now instead of sounding like a nest of hungry baby sparrows, my Outback (2014 Limited with 2.5 engine) once again sounds like a sewing machine. Excellent video that made the job easy, many thanks!! Quick tip - a few pics with your cell phone will ensure you have the belt wrapped around all the right pulleys.
Good tip. Cameras are a nice tool for many jobs for that forgetful person (like me lol).
The dealership charges 300 for this job. You did it in 5 min. Amazing.
My dealership wants $134 for this. Still absurdly expensive.
Man 25 dollars for a belt and did it in 2 mins, dealerships just wanna screw you for the easiest of jobs
@@zacaea1583 My dealership just called me and offered a "Special" price of $699 to replace the serpentine belt. Thanks for the video! I never did this before, but I'm gonna give it a go.
@@Suiax These kind of prices only make sense if they are replacing the tension and idlers while they are in there. It is good to look for signs of failing bearings in both while you have the belt out, but otherwise, yeah, its a 5-15 minute job with a $20 part.
The dealership probably wanted to replace your tensioners and Idler since they all go at the same time.
Ive looked for over a week and today, right when I'm about to start working on it, I decide to watch one more video and I find this one is so simple and straight to the point...
Thank you.
Thank you! For a new belt and a breaker bar I spent as much as I would have at "the shop," but now I know how to change the belt. So pleased. Chirping noise gone and it idles smoothly again.
Just wanted to say, "Thanks". I appreciate that you've taken the time to make this video. This has given me the ability to save appropriately $200-$300. Thanks again.
Great Video. Just did this to my daughters car this AM......spent the extra money on a good belt and saved the rest by doing it myself instead of a mechanic.
Just did the same for my son. Neither of us had ever changed a serpentine belt before. Almost all my vehicles have been from the 60's and 70's. Belts were easy to change. These serpentine ones are a lot easier to change. Who knew? 😂
I did it today and wasn’t as fast as you, and only had a wrench, but I muscled that belt on. Thanks for the instructions!
You did this yourself ???
@@Essays4College yes. It’s stupid easy.
@@ericanjensen LOL so you think a guy with 2 left hands like me could do it?
I'll go ahead and say thanks like many of the other viewers already have. I have zero experience working on cars and did this in about 10 minutes with the recommended tools (15mm socket and a breaker bar) along with a replacement belt that cost me $20. Not sure how much a mechanic would have charged me for this, but I'm positive it would have been well over $150. Thanks a ton!
You're welcome! Subaru engines are easier than most to work on. I have more videos for your next project.
Pep Boys just charged me $450
@@andyandrex5010 😳😵💫😵 HOLY (RAP.
awesome easy video...dealer wanted to charge me 125 bucks to replace it. Scored the belt for 25 bucks and did it myself in less than 15 minutes. THX.
You're welcome. Well done. It took me longer!
I was so confused over this. Most of the models have 2 separate belts like ac belt and serpentine belt. But this specific model also my car has 1 belt as I understood. I will replace it with your vide and guidance, thank you very much to your the original mechanic!
Worked like a charm.
The only thing I had problem with was with the tensioner. I needed to move the breaker bar one more notch to get just a little more slack. That, and I was doing it just before started to snow so I was a little cold and the belt was a little bit difficult to work with.
Thank you so much and you saved me about $180.
I will, of course let the shop do my brakes. I just don't feel comfortable with that - and I don't have the space, time, or the desire to make a mess. Got to keep my wife happy.
This was a great help to me. I was struggling for quite a while until your instruction and video. Very clearly presented. Thank you!
Thank you. I thought I was totally screwed and was going to have to call a tow truck. Watched your video and voila! Thank you so much!
Thanks! This was a great reference for doing the job on my 2011 Subaru Forester. It's not an identical belt path. So, for anyone else looking to do this a Forester; take photos before you remove the old belt. Also, the tensioner was a 14 mm socket rather than the 15 mm mentioned in this video. I didn't have enough room in my engine bay for my breaker bar. So, I used a ratchet with a little pipe extension to prop it off the fan like you did in the video. I found the ratchet useful here, as you're able to tune in the number of clicks so that you maximize the tension relief.
You're welcome. Thanks for adding the tips for those doing this job on a slightly different model.
Just bought my kid a Legacy. Needs a new belt. This video explains the process very well. I'll have him change it and I'll "help". He'll feel like a mechanic. Thank you.
You're welcome. That's a good choice for a first car.
We changed it last night. Took less than 10 minutes. He did the work while I held the tensioner. He had a little trouble getting the belt over the alternator pulley (last one). I was about to suggest that swearing always helps when working on a car, and before I could say anything, a river of profanities came out of him. Then the belt went on easily. We laughed about that one. Thanks again.
Watched your video yesterday and did the job on my car today. Thank you for the lesson. 💯👍
Thank you so much for the video. I just replaced it on a 2014 Subaru Outback. It was easier to do with 2 people. One person pushing on the tensioner to get the belt slack and the other taking the belt off and putting on a new belt. One tip to viewers: Draw a diagram of how the belt should loop before you take it off. You'll use that diagram to put on the new belt. Overall, the job is easy and it's worthwhile doing it yourself. The belt squeal I had went away.
What size of breaker bar you used?
Leaving a comment to say thanks. I was able to remove and replace the belt in less than 10 minutes. Definitely saved me money by avoiding going to a mechanic. Again thanks!
I just want to say thank you for saving me $88 and making this super easy, got this done in 5 minutes or less 👌🏻👍🏻
Great guide. Bought the belt from the dealer for $65 and had it on in under 10 minutes.
I have 2013 Legacy I will be replacing my serpentine belt soon. Thank you for posting this. You have saved me both money and time. Look forward to more of your videos! Thanks again.
This is the best video on UA-cam!!! I watched the vid, ordered a replacement belt, got a 15mm socket from the basement, and did the job in 4 minutes. It’s soooo easy. One recommendation: use a ratchet handle rather than a breaker bar, and you can the get the tensioner pulley as relaxed as possible by taking a couple clicks on the ratchet. Honestly this is such a ripoff - it was $300 on my wife’s Outback. Turns out to be utter child’s play. Thanks sooo much!!!
You're welcome and you're right. Most people don't know just how easy this job is on a Subaru. And even a timing belt is easier on a Subaru than any vehicle I have done.
Awesome video, took about 10 minutes to do! Such a breeze, thank you!
Thank You, people like you make life a lot easier
Thank you for this video. I'm not sure why it was so hard to find a good video for this simple job. Good job man
You're very welcome. I appreciate the comment.
Thanks for the refresher.... I last replaced mine in 2014 along with my timing belt.
damm bro I was about to pay 100 dollars for this 5 min job...thank you so much for your help I can do it by myself now super easy
You're welcome. This belt was so easy I almost didn't make the video lol
Grease Monkey wanted $120 for this. You saved me $100! Thanks!
A helpful hint. I always draw a diagram of the belt routing with all of the accessories noted before removing the old belt. Also I try to crank over the engine first without starting it if possible. To make sure that the belt is seated properly.
how do you crank the engine, without starting it? where do we crank/turn?
thank you just changed mine and i'm a woman, was so easy cuz of this vid!
It was way easier then I thought it would be. Congrats on a job well done. A couple of lady mechanics I know would be proud of you. On to tune-ups 👍.
Really easy to do about thanks for the tip with the breaker bar and you just push that to the right to move the pulley down a little bit that's great to know
Thanks for this. When I saw your video, I was like, “That’s it?” I did this job in about 20 minutes on my 2013 Subaru Forester and the cost of the Gates belt was $32.00. I would have paid at least $250.00 at my local dealership for this.
Why does the dealership charge so much? All it does is encourage people to NOT come in for regular service.
I love your videos. Very straight forward and easy explanation. Thanks.
You just saved so hindered and a 1and 1/2 drive to the dealership, thank you
That did not come out right, you saved us hundreds and an hour and one half drive to the dealership. Thanks
Fantastic! Thank you so much! I’m so glad I looked this up. I need to replace mine for a safety certificate and I wondered if it’ll be expensive. I’ll do it myself this weekend. 👍 Thank you!
On my 2012 Forester using a Gates belt I had to gently pry it over the AC pulley with a screw driver, spent an hour trying to do it with my fingers just to tight. Never had onion other cars this tight before.
You make it look so easy... Thanks for sharing...
Thanks! Doing this tonight.
Video was very helpful had my belt done in 10 mins thanx 🙏🏾👍🏿✊
Small tip that I'm sure every Subaru owner knows, but in case not, those clips are total crap. Buy them in bulk on amazon in case they break. OEM clips from the dealer are some insanely expensive ($1-$2 for each).
Dude i took those off for taking off my air filter in the cabin. Man took me 15 mins cause they dont screw out in tight spots
Good advice I have an Outback that’s missing several. Cheers
Broke one today. 🤦♀️
Omg thank you. I hope i can push that tensioner down. I did this once on my Honda and i wasnt strong enough. Wish me luck cuz i got those baby birds the other guy had.
Great video, I’ll do it as my wife’s 2012 Outback is approaching 105k miles. Some recommend to replace the tensioner and the idle pulley as well, is it really needed?
Great video. My belt squeaks for a second when I cold start. Is there a way to tighten the tension?
Super helpful!! Did it in 5 min!! Thanks!!!
I think that's the steering hydraulic pump. The water pump is inside the plastic cover moved by the timing belt.
Yes. That was the power steering pump pully.
Thanks a lot , It was easier than I thought. I saved $ 100 😁.
Great video.
You're welcome. I'm glad it helped you.
Good thing they got rid of the stretch belt because I lost the tool that I got for my 08 impreza which I already traded it in.
I would look into changing it around 50k to be safe since these belts are not costly and I've had it snap one time in some older Subarus I use to own.
Thanks so much for making this video
Thank you for the video !
Perfect video
Thanks for the video. I also need to replace pulleys since they are rusty. Is it DIY job and do you have video how?
You're welcome and thanks for watching. I don't have a video on pulley replacement.
What size of breaker bar would you recommend to do this job?
Great video I feel much more confident of getting it done. Thank you.
Bigger is better for a job like this. At least an 18" breaker bar.
I have a 2015 Legacy. When there is heavy dew in the am, or after it rains, the squeal is very noticeable, less so after the sun comes out. I still have 5/60000 powertrain coverage since the car has 54000 miles on it. Would this be covered under the limited powertrain coverage? Thanks
Water pump???? Your water pump is connected to the power steering reservoir? :)) The rest, just nice tips.
Lol right, the water pump is located in the engine, it runs off the timing belt.
Excellent. Thank you.
You're welcome
thank you
Great video I think I’m gonna try to on my 2015 legacy it should be the same right? I’m just a bit nervous however they want like 900 bux at the dealer for this so that’s enough incentive to do it myself alone will it be the same for my 2015?
If not the same it should be very similar. This is among the easiest serpentine belts I have done. Just follow these directions and you should have no problems.
Yeah man after calling the dealer back and dealing w some shitty cust service and a super high quote for all the shit I want done was enough for me to go purchase a dewalt brushless compact impact driver kit and all the tools I figured I’d knock out the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley at the same time just in case is that a good idea the squeak goes away when I pour water on the belt where it squeaks
I have a 2015 Subaru Legacy would this be the identical process for me? I am no mechanic so I still fear things like this due to putting the belt on properly and such also I am replacing mine due to someone telling me I have these annoying OCASSIONAL cricket squeaks I was told was because of my belt as I accelerate the sound gets faster the sound is like A random faint cricket sound is that the belt or a bearing? I don’t see noticeable cracks thank you very much for your video
A squeak is more likely coming from a component like an idler pulley. By itself it is not a huge worry. If the car has over a 100K miles you many want to change the belt anyway along with the tensioner (the assembly that keeps the belt at the correct tension). These are not difficult for a DIY person. Your 2015 is next generation from the 2012 in this video but is likely very similar.
Wow man thank you so much! It’s at 72k I’m no mechanic but I’ve done a few repairs via reading forums and watching you tube videos I greatly appreciate your response, I’ve only had it about a year I love it but have noticed over the past few weeks feels like a weird “bugged down” when I accelerate just slightly gas mileage dropped slightly as well I have some sort of purchased extended warranty I was going to take it in and just pay the deductible at the Subaru dealer but I would rather just understand it and do it myself. Would that tensioner pulley being off cause a slight change? Maybe some dogtrash pothole I hit or something of the sorts to send it out of wack? Again greatly appreciate your time
This job can be done within 20 minutes. But i need help please. It took me less than 3 minutes to take off the belt, but i could not get the new one on, it seemed a bit small. Do i need to move some parts around? Maybe loosen up the alternator?
I would check the tensioner. Is it stuck in the upward position? If so you will never get the new belt to thread on.
@@TheOriginalMechanic nope not stuck, got it to go all the way down. I compared the new belt with the old one and it is a tad short, but could be because the old one was just stretched from all the cracks. I did manage to get it on but the tension is stuck where it's at(downward position). Which i think the belt may be too tight now. Should i loosen up the alternator and move it a little?
Thank you for this video! So if I wanted to replace the alternator, providing I even need to get the idler pulley off, is it safe to just loosen the bolt in the middle of the idler pulley that's blocking the alternator, and the pulley will come off? Or is there something I need to know before I do that? There are so many videos on UA-cam on how to remove the alternator from a Subaru 2.5l engine, but they all show the old EJ25, not the newer FB25 that's in my '14 Outback :(
I haven't done the alternator on this vehicle...yet.
Great Video
What is the best brand for a belt for my Subaru Legacy 2.5L 2014? Thanks!
I don't know of a significant quality difference from one brand to another. I like Gates though.
A los cuantos kilómetros hay que cambiarla?
Will this work for a 1999 legacy Outback?
Why did you replace the belt? It didn't really look worn.
are the 2 belts the same model? can you provide the ac belt and drive belt model numbers? thx
Just to confirm this is the FB25 (non-turbo) engine, right? Also, did you just buy the replacement at the dealership or did you get a non-oem one? If non-oem, do you have the brand and part number by chance?
It's non-turbo. I made this video as a demo. The belt was still good and I did not change.
IT is NOT the FB25. the FB 25 is timing chaing driven used on the 2012 forester, but not the 2012 legacy. This is not the FB2.5
Is it the same for 2008?
Aren't there idler pully's/bearings & Tensioner pulley/bearing, that should be replaced at the same time?
Not a bad idea. But they are easy to change when they start screaming and grumbling for service.
@Primordial Wilderness That would be something else. They would squeal in forward or reverse if it were an idler or tensioner.
Quick question, do you remember what length breaker bar you used? Thanks.
I used a 16 inch long bar
@Primordial Wilderness Any size or brand is fine from 12 to 24 inches
Dumb question, but where the hell near the tensioner is the tension indicator!? I have the 2012 Subaru Legacy service manual, and it says it's literally on the side of the tensioner and I can't seem to see anything resembling it, even with a flashlight. Don't really feel good doing this job if I can't even see if the tension is correct...
I wasn't aware of any tension indicator. I don't understand why this would be needed. In my experience these devices are self adjusting.
@@TheOriginalMechanic Forgot to respond! It's completely hidden to the naked eye so you need to take a photo to check it, which is kind of a pain but not that bad. Yes the tensioner is self adjusting, but the tension indicator checks that the tension is correct (i.e. the tensioner isn't faulty!)
I cannot find where to purchase the Serpentine belt replacement. on Subaru's own OEM parts store, all I can find is the timing belt. Where can I find the item #? I have a 2012 outback 2.6i
thanks
In my experience the local dealership parts department is still the best way to go for OEM parts. Yes, a phone call lol. I too have failed to find parts or part numbers using OEM websites.
@@TheOriginalMechanic thanks. That's exactly what I did. I emailed the closest online part dealer and they got the direct link for it to order from.
When turning the tensioner back after installing the belt, do you go until the tension is correct? Or does the tensioner stop at a set position?
The tensioner will automatically stop at a set amount of tension.
@@TheOriginalMechanic So no torque wrench needed? Just turn until it stops?
@@michaelsierra6313 Yes. You don't have to torque it unless you removed and are replacing the tensioner.
@@TheOriginalMechanic Yes, I finally understand the mechanism! So much better that a few belts, each of which needs to be individually torqued. Took me five minutes. Thanks!
@@TheOriginalMechanic I removed the tensioner pulley trying to replace the belt 😅😅. Do you know the torque spec for this pulley?
Can someone tell me the length of this belt please
What happens if this belt snaps? Thanks for the great vid?
You lose the alternator, power steering and ac. The car will not run long without the alternator, only until the battery voltage runs down.
Happened to me and exactly what the other comment said, and it happens quickly
What happens if you don't replace or install the belt properly?
Mine is starting to cherp would this fix also
That may well be a slipping belt, especially if it occurs on startup before everything warms up.
your are amazing!
Would that interfere with the timing of the vehicle?
No, not at all. You're thinking of the timing belt.
@@TheOriginalMechanic This model has a timing chain.
2:33 this is not a water pump, this is a power steering
You're right, I miss-spoke. The water pump runs on the timing belt.
@@TheOriginalMechanic 👍😉
That's not a water pump. It the power steering pump. other than than, easy peasy, nice job.
He made me go look at my car to make sure I wasn't wrong. But it is the power steering pump.
Thx for the video..
You're welcome and thanks for watching.
Is this the same thing as a “drive belt” ... dealer is telling me I need to replace one at 60k miles on my 2017 legacy 🙄🙄🙄
Yes this would be the drive belt. I've seen them last much more than 60k miles. Look for signs of cracking.
Most people do recommend around 60K to replace them, mainly because the belt is cheap and as shown by the video, really easy to replace. They often last longer, and I'd suggest just visually checking for any cracks, and replace the belt if there are cracks. Most people also replace the tensioner and idler pully since they often go bad not too long after the belt needs replacing. Since the belt drives the water pump, power steering, alternator, and crankshaft, you really don't want to be driving with a bad belt or bad pully, or improper tension!
Is that the water pump or the power steering pump?
It looks like a water pump. I don't have the car in front of me to confirm
Moana Reid i think its the power steering
Yes, power steering pump. The water pump is driven by the timing belt, which is behind the black plastic cover behind the crank shaft pulley.
its the power steering pump
To the left of alternator is the power steering pump, NOT THE WATER PUMP.....!!!
You the man thank you every much god bless
External water pump? Lucky you.
lol
👍👍🌹🌹🎉🎉❤❤
Serpentine belt replacement
I have 100,500 miles on my 2011 Legacy, I am told I need to pay $750.00 to replace it. wow. If I was not a old man I would replace it myself. I love Bill Rapp dealership, having seen this. I am not sure.
I know this is a month old but at 100k miles they recommend a timing belt change, not serpentine belt change. A quote of $750 sounds more like a timing belt replacement which is a much more involved replacement (usually about 3-4 hour shop time) and a more expensive part.
DIY’ers always disconnect the negative terminal 😂😂😂
Power steering pump, not water pump.
dealer try to charge me 265
That is not a water pump power steering pump
I must have miss-spoke. My apologies.
I received a quote for $550 to do this....
potentially a finger chopper
For sefty disconect battery and remove fuel tank
How easy is it to replace that idler wheel that is the tensioner? The other one is obviously simple but will I damage anything when I put that kind of force into the tensioner one?
I think when you look up the part you will find that the tensioner and idler are replaced as one unit