What does - or should - a Forester cambelt cost

[Tom Crabbe]

I have now had two cambelts fitted - no sympathy needed, they were different cars - and both cost around £450, because "....getting to the engine is so difficult guv" OR "parts is so expensive gov" (different garages different Guvs).

What do you reckon to pay or what would you think is reasonable for a 2002 replacement cambelt incl fitting?

[Scooby Pete]

On my classic Impreza in the past I've paid £300 inc parts, and this was done at my house on the driveway. 

 

Just been quoted £100 + Parts (Cambelt, Followers and Tensioner) normally around £160-£200 depending on where you get them from. So again thats about £300 by an independant Subaru Specalist.

 

For a Main dealer I would expect its nearer your £450.

 

 

I would see if you can take it to an independant Subaru Specalist who knows how to do it without taking half the car apart.

[Jay762]

It does vary per garage - we have seen amounts from 150 - 300 plus on the site, recently a member has seen a receipt for a main dealer cambelt change and service for £1200

 

I see you are not too far from Gloucester we have a Subaru specialist garage on here, MD Developments, it might be worth a call to them mention the forum and see what they come back with.

 

the belts themselves vary dependant on make / spec (kevlar or not) - I dont know if you have a DOHC engine but SOHC belts prices are about half of the DOHC.

 

given the mileage you may want to consider a kit which replaces the pulleys as well as the belt

[Mr B]

varying prices relate to what actually done mainly, basically belt only could be £150.

Belt with all idler pulleys, tensioner & water pump too could be almost £400 using OEM quality japanese ADL parts.

[stants]

2nd mr b. My belt wasn't evpensive just all the associated bits that went with it !

If you want a laugh phone subaru up and get a quote from them.

I paid for belts pulleys idlers etc and major service for nearly the same amount as a main dealer would charge for the cambelt doing :O

[Mr B]

You got to be careful when comparing prices as if not comparing same quality parts then not really that true a comparison, I personally won't use Gates kits on subaru as the belts just are not high enough grade for the demanding belt run of the boxer engine layout also the water pumps you get vary HUGELY in quality so what seems sometimes £50 cheaper may actually be £100+ cheaper & the shop is making more on your job due to cheaper parts so do your homework well.

I personally only use ADL or SA brand parts on Japanese cars as a general rule & for the Subaru cambelt the ADL kit is only one I use & am happy to guarantee ... With some of the cheaper range parts you are probably throwing a more serviceable original part in the bin so take some care when budgeting on parts ...

[antlockyer]

...for the Subaru cambelt the ADL kit is only one I use & am happy to guarantee ..

Info stored for the future, thanks.

[Tom Crabbe]

Thanks everyone, really helpful insight.

Especially getting complete kit.

Tom