Parts for your 2000 Subaru Forester-Drive belt

2000 Subaru Forester drive-belt

Yes — a drive-belt is fitted to the 2000 Subaru Forester. Technical references that confirm this include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2000 Forester (EJ-series engines), which shows two external V‑ribbed accessory drive belts plus an internal camshaft timing belt, the Subaru Owner’s Manual maintenance schedule, which calls for regular drive-belt inspection, and major belt catalogues from Gates and Dayco listing alternator/power-steering and A/C belts for this model. So a drive-belt is absolutely relevant to this vehicle.

On the 2000 Forester, the accessory drive-belts spin the alternator and power steering pump on one belt, with the air‑conditioning compressor on a second belt. They keep the battery charging, the steering light, and the cabin cool. The engine’s water pump is driven by the timing belt on these EJ engines, not by the external accessory belts.

For everyday servicing, the belts should be inspected under the bonnet at each service interval. Mechanics will check for cracks across the ribs, glazing, fraying at the edges, missing ribs, and black rubber dust near the pulleys. A chirp or squeal on cold start, a glowing battery light, or heavier-than-usual steering are common clues the belts are slipping or worn.

• Inspect every 10,000–15,000 km or 6–12 months, depending on your service cadence.
• Plan replacement around 60,000–100,000 km, or sooner if wear is visible or there’s noise.
• On this model, belt tension is manually adjusted: the alternator uses a slider/adjuster, and the A/C belt uses an idler with an adjuster screw. Set tension to the factory spec from the Subaru FSM or use a belt tension gauge per the belt maker’s guidance.
• When fitting new belts, inspect pulleys and idlers for rough bearings, clean the grooves, and check alignment.

Because the car uses two accessory belts, it’s smart to replace them together if they’re the same age. Don’t confuse these with the timing belt: the timing belt has its own major service interval (commonly around 100,000–105,000 km or 5–7 years in AU/NZ guidance) and different procedure. If you’re not set up with proper tension specs and tools, a qualified workshop can sort both belts quickly and prevent annoying squeals or premature wear.

Popular questions

Does a 2000 Subaru Forester have a serpentine belt?
It has two external V‑ribbed accessory belts rather than a single long serpentine belt: one for the alternator and power steering, and another for the A/C. It also has a separate internal timing belt for the camshafts.

How often should the accessory drive-belts be replaced?
Have them inspected at each service and replace around 60,000–100,000 km, or at the first sign of cracking, glazing, noise or slippage. In hotter climates, dusty conditions, or with lots of short trips, earlier replacement is wise.

Which belt sizes does my 2000 Forester use?
Sizing varies by engine variant and whether the vehicle has air‑conditioning. Use the Subaru parts catalogue with your VIN, or match to the old belts’ markings. Quality belts from reputable brands to the correct spec are essential for proper tension and pulley fit.