Parts for your 2008 Subaru Impreza-Drive belt

2008 Subaru Impreza Drive Belt — What It Does and When to Replace It

The 2008 Subaru Impreza does use accessory drive belts. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2008 Impreza (EJ-series petrol engines) details two V‑ribbed belts on most trims: one for the alternator and power steering, and a separate belt for the air‑conditioning compressor. This setup is also confirmed by Subaru’s electronic parts catalogue and major belt manufacturers’ catalogues (Dayco/Gates), which list specific accessory belts for the 2008 Impreza range. So, a drive belt is absolutely relevant on this model.

Those belts are the unsung heroes keeping the electrical system charged, the steering assist smooth, and the cabin cool. On EJ engines of this era, the water pump is driven by the timing belt, not the accessory belt, so the drive belts focus on alternator, power steering, and A/C duties. Many 2008 Imprezas use manual belt tension adjustment via an alternator and A/C idler adjuster, rather than an automatic tensioner, making correct tension and periodic checks especially important.

For routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, workshops typically inspect the belts at each service and plan replacement roughly every 90,000–120,000 kilometres, or sooner if there’s wear or noise. Because EPDM belts can wear without obvious cracking, technicians look for glazing, frayed ribs, belt dust, and any chirp/squeal under the bonnet—especially on cold starts or when the A/C kicks in.

• Common signs it’s time: squealing, slipping, visible rib wear, glazing, fraying, or oil/coolant contamination.
• Good practice: replace both belts together if wear is similar, check pulley alignment and spin idlers for rough bearings, set tension to spec and recheck after a short run-in.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: loosen the lock and pivot bolts, back off the adjuster, remove the old belt(s), route the new belts correctly, tension to specification, then torque the fasteners. After a few hundred kilometres, a quick tension and noise check helps catch any initial stretch. Given variants across engines (2.0L/2.5L, WRX/STI), it’s smart to confirm belt configuration against the VIN or the FSM section for the exact engine code.

Popular questions about 2008 Subaru Impreza drive belts

How often should the drive belts be replaced?
Most workshops in AU/NZ aim for inspection every service and replacement around 90,000–120,000 km, earlier if there’s noise, glazing, or contamination. City driving, heat, and fluid leaks can shorten belt life.

Why does a 2008 Impreza belt squeal on cold start?
Usually low tension, a worn belt surface, or a dragging accessory pulley. Belts with manual adjusters often need a tension reset, if noise continues, check pulley bearings and alignment.

Is the drive belt the same as the timing belt?
No. The accessory drive belts run the alternator, power steering, and A/C. The EJ engine’s timing belt sits behind covers and drives the camshafts and water pump, with a different service interval and procedure.