Timing Belt Tensioner 04-05 Leg, Imp, OB & Forester

Peaty · 03-06-2005, 09:01 AM

Tsb 02-93-04

Peaty · 04-06-2006, 06:57 AM

more info

Peaty · 11-29-2009, 08:04 AM

FWIW - I've had this issue in my 99RS some time back. The noise is very scary the first time you hear it, it sounds just like a thrown rod

I know the TSB is supposed to be restricted to 04 -05 but from what I've read it does effect a much wider range of years. The only one's I think it will not happen to are Scoobies with the newer H6 motors since they have timing chains and not belts.

For me, and I understand this is typical, the noise showed itself when the temps were below 40F (4 C) and the car is virtually stone cold. When the car is started you can hear a very loud rattle that gains in speed with the RPM's. As the car warms up in maybe 5 - 10 minutes the sound goes away.

What is happening to make the noise is the pulley that holds tension on the timing belt has gone a little slack until the oil pressure forces it to push out harder. While the belt is slack, it flops around and hits the black plastic timing belt cover in the front of the motor. Because it's doing this, one way to verify if this is your problem is to remove the cover and look for marks made by the belt.

In order for your dealer to properly diagnose the issue you will need to leave your car overnight so they can start it in the AM and hear the noise.

Peaty 11-29-09

Peaty · 01-19-2010, 07:08 PM

There are a few ways to tell if it's the tensioner making the noise or not. The noise comes from the slight slack in the timing belt. The belt will hit the plastic belt cover (black plastic covering the belt in the front of the motor) making the knocking noise. One way to verify is to have someone start the cold car (always stand to the side and not front of someone starting a car) and listen by the cover for the noise. To aid in hearing you can take a long handled screwdriver and place the tip on the cover and the handle you want to touch to the bone at the back of your ear. A stethoscope of sorts. Obviously watch for moving parts if you do this. The other way is to just remove the front cover and look for marks where the belt was hitting it.

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