Do Subaru Timing Chains Need to Be Replaced?

Subarus are known for engines that hold up under lots of pressure. 

They are advertised as off-road and family cars, emphasizing reliability and sturdiness. 

However, parts of a Subaru need to be replaced and cared for regularly.

Are Subaru timing chains replaceable? 

Do Subaru Timing Chains Need to Be Replaced?

Timing chains on a Subaru do not need to be replaced. Because they are made of metal, they won’t wear out with time. Most newer Subarus are equipped with timing chains that don’t need replacement. Timing belts, on the other hand, are made of rubber and need regular care and replacements. 

Whether you have a Subaru with a timing chain or a timing belt, you must know how to care for your engine.

Regular maintenance will keep your engine running smoothly, especially the vital parts. 

The timing in an engine is what helps it to run. 

Keep reading to learn more about timing chains and belts.

Do Subaru Timing Chains Need to Be Replaced? 

The timing system in an engine is essential to the car’s running. 

Without proper timing, the engine will essentially self-destruct. 

This is because the crankshaft and the camshaft need to be synchronized. 

Otherwise, the valves will not open and close at the correct time. 

The crankshaft works with the pistons to create a smooth engine. 

Without these two pieces of equipment, the engine would not work. 

These essential functions need to be synchronized together, or else they will grind against each other instead of working together. 

An out-of-sync engine can have catastrophic results. Within a few minutes, the valves will get out of order. The engine can self-destruct. 

This is why timing chains or belts are essential to your Subaru engine and its running capacity. 

Timing chains do not need to be replaced unless they break. 

Because timing chains consist mostly of sturdy metal, they will generally last as long as your engine.

Unless your engine itself needs to be replaced, your timing chain can stay where it is. 

If you think something is wrong with your timing chain, take it to a licensed Subaru mechanic. 

Whether it is your timing chain or not, you should be able to get a clear answer from a professional mechanic. 

The signs for a timing chain malfunction are similar to any engine malfunction.

Usually, you won’t be able to tell whether the engine itself or only the timing chain is not working. 

For this reason, it’s essential to take a smoking, stalling, or non-starting car to a mechanic as soon as you can. 

Sometimes, timing chains can malfunction or break. 

Generally, this is because of another part of the Subaru’s engine that doesn’t work properly. 

If this is the case, you might need to replace the timing chain on your car engine. 

Otherwise, you’ll probably be safe leaving it. 

What is the Difference Between a Timing Chain and a Timing Belt? 

Some Subarus have timing chains, while some have timing belts.

Both do the same thing, but there are some slight differences between the two. 

The main differences are how the timing devices are built and whether they need replacement. 

Manufacturers made timing chains out of metal. They are heavier than timing belts and slightly louder. 

Timing chains also are a little clunkier and can take longer to repair if they break. However, you don’t have to replace a timing belt in a Subaru. 

Timing belts, on the other hand, are lighter and quieter. They run a little more smoothly than timing chains. 

However, timing belts wear out relatively quickly because they are mostly rubber. 

If you have a timing belt, you might want to check how old it is. 

Do Timing Belts Need to be Replaced? 

Timing belts do need occasional replacement. 

Because they are rubber, timing belts wear out more quickly and need regular replacement. 

This replacement is vital for the car because the timing belt does the same function as the timing chain. 

Timing belts are usually in older Subarus, but it’s not viable to replace them with a chain unless you replace the entire engine. 

Usually, this isn’t worth it, as transplanted engines don’t do well in newer cars. 

If your engine needs replacement, it might be better to get a new car. 

Don’t worry too much; you usually have up to 100,000 miles before you have to replace a regular timing belt. 

They make the entire engine run a little smoother and reduce the risk of engine failure. 

While they do need replacing, they are useful for the car.

If you have a Subaru with a timing belt, take it to a trusted mechanic to see how old it is. 

They should give you a good idea of when you’ll need to bring your car back in to replace the timing belt and how much it will cost you. 

Does My Subaru Have a Timing Chain or a Timing Belt? 

Of course, if you have a Subaru, you want to know what needs to be done for your car. 

Does your vehicle have a timing chain or timing belt? When should you replace it? How long do you need to wait before checking it? 

Some Subarus have timing chains, and some have belts. It just depends on the model. 

Knowing which type of timing device your engine has is vital to running smoothly.

When you find out which car you have, you’ll know what you need to do. 

Most newer models of Subarus have timing chains because they don’t have to be replaced. 

You will have to check your manual or with your local mechanic to be sure, but if you have a Subaru past 2013, it’s likely that you have a timing chain and don’t need to replace it. 

Any Subaru model past 2013 has a timing chain, except for the 2014 WRX and any model of the Subaru WRX STI. 

Before 2013, the cars mostly had timing belts, which need replacing around every 100,000 miles. 

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

While you don’t usually need to replace a timing chain, a lack of maintenance can lead to malfunctioning. 

If you never change the oil on your car or get the engine checked, any component could break down and stop working. 

However, the timing chain is a delicate piece of machinery and is especially prone to breaking down if it’s not maintained regularly. 

You don’t need to do anything special to take care of it–simply take your car in for regular oil changes and mechanic visits. 

Oil changes and regular maintenance are especially vital on older cars. If your vehicle has a timing chain, it’s likely a newer model of Subaru. 

While Subaru cars last a while, they will last longer and have better engine life with regular maintenance. 

Regular maintenance is vital for your car, for much more than just your timing chain. Every part of your engine needs fresh oil and checkups.

Bringing your car in regularly will make your car last longer and run better. 

Final Thoughts

Timing chains in Subarus do not need replacement unless they are damaged. 

Chains are slightly different from timing belts, which need to be replaced occasionally.

However, most new Subarus come with timing chains, so you will not have to worry about replacing your timing device!