[ruderegime]

2011 Forester XT with 56,xxx miles. It was getting bad squealing. I replaced the serpentine belt today and it was dry and brittle, and probably about to bust. I'm wondering if my timing belt is in the same condition even though it is covered? I do live in the Albuquerque area which is a high desert area.
I was planning on changing the timing belt after my tax returns as it's going to be costly, and I have a larger intercooler and the vf52 larger turbo to install at the same time.
Any advice or recommendations, should I be very worried what about the timing belt imploding my engine? My tax return money is about 3 or 4 months away.

 

[Kevin]

How long since the timing belt was last changed?

If, like mine, there is an inspection cover you can remove it and check the condition of the timing belt.

 

[ruderegime]

I'm assuming that it's never been changed.
I purchase it a few years ago with 29000 now it at 56,000

 

[bbottomley]

The spec is 105k miles or 105 months, and we have had few if any reports of premature failure. Post-mature, YES! But taking a peek wouldn't hurt, especially since you're getting close on months. I have experienced New Mexico dryness and know what you mean.

 

[ruderegime]

Well the squeaking is gone but the engine still seems to flutter when I'm turning the wheel while parked like a loss of engine power?
I don't think that it should be doing that? I guess I need to replace my power steering fluid.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

The PS pump places a heavy load on the engine when in use, especially when the engine is just idling. If the PS works normally, if it was me, I'd just keep an eye on it. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

[ruderegime]

The power steering fluid was practically black. I've been turkey basting sucking it out and replacing with my Valvoline maxlife ATF I've had about four little flushes done so can I do about four or five more but the difference is night and day it just needed new fluid at 56,000 miles

 

[Kevin]

Good news!

 

[dave5358]

The power steering fluid was practically black. I've been turkey basting sucking it out and replacing with my Valvoline maxlife ATF I've had about four little flushes done so can I do about four or five more but the difference is night and day it just needed new fluid at 56,000 miles

Replace your PS pump. Changing the fluid might help but looking at this whole thread, something went wrong inside the PS pump. Changing fluid is not going to solve that problem. As a practical matter, the ATF in the power steering system should not go bad.

So, drain or flush out as much 'black' fluid as you can. Then, get a rebuilt pump and new serpentine belt.

 

[ruderegime]

I already replaced the serpentine belt and in the middle of flushing the fluid. It seems to be working great

 

[ruderegime]

While a few weeks later my belt is still squealing I got the Gates K050345RPM Micro-V Belt brand new
I wonder if the squealing is from the belt I just put on, and why? Or if I just need to get a OEM power steering belt?

 

[phast1]

While a few weeks later my belt is still squealing I got the Gates K050345RPM Micro-V Belt brand new
I wonder if the squealing is from the belt I just put on, and why? Or if I just need to get a OEM power steering belt?

first, your choice of belt does not really look good to me (imo).
factory uses Mitsuboshi, it has a high profile and very fit to the pulleys. it's like natural fit, so i only buy Mitsuboshi as my accessory belts. you'll feel it when you see it :wink2:
i've also heard good things on Bando, but never used it on my car.

second, while you were working on the belt, have you replaced your serpentine tensioner plastic pulley? it tends to go bad at about your mileage.

don't worry too much about timing belt, but it never hurts to check of course.
i just replaced mine for the first time a week ago on 06 fxt after about 90k km. it was in good condition, no cracks, only minor rust from the steel lines of the belt. still somewhat stretched and tensioner knocked on colder mornings. not nearly as bad for 13 years tho.

 

[ruderegime]

Another update
The brand new belt just needs to be retightened. It probably loosened up a bit from being brand new, and flushed all the fluid out of power steering Reservoir and pump. Night and day difference again no more squeal. The power steering feels way better than before. I probably do another flush or two, and then call it a day on that power steering flushing.