Parts for your 2009 Subaru Forester-Drive belt pulley

2009 Subaru Forester drive-belt-pulley – purpose, checks and servicing

Yes, a drive-belt-pulley is absolutely fitted to the 2009 Subaru Forester. Technical sources confirm this: the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SH-series (MY2009) details V‑ribbed accessory belts, idler and tensioner pulleys, and the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer, the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the crankshaft pulley plus accessory idler/tensioner pulleys for both EJ25 non‑turbo and turbo variants, and Gates and Dayco application guides for the 2009 Forester specify two accessory belts and associated pulleys. So, the drive-belt-pulley is relevant and part of normal servicing on this model.

On the 2009 Forester, the drive-belt-pulley system transfers crankshaft rotation to key accessories: the alternator, power steering pump and the A/C compressor. The crankshaft pulley (often called the harmonic balancer) drives one or two V‑ribbed belts that wrap around accessory pulleys, with idler and tensioner pulleys guiding the belts and keeping them at the right tension. Note: on EJ petrol engines the water pump runs off the timing belt, not the accessory belts.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the belts and every pulley face and bearing. Look for glazing, cracking or frayed ribs on the belts, any belt tracking off-centre, and pulley wobble or roughness. Spin idler/tensioner pulleys by hand (engine off) and feel for notchiness or noise. A quick listen with the bonnet up can also tell a story—squeals, chirps or a dry bearing growl point at a tired pulley or a belt that’s not tensioned correctly.

• Squeal at cold start or when the A/C kicks in
• Chirp that changes with revs (often an idler bearing)
• Visible pulley wobble or belt wander
• Rubber dust around a pulley or melted belt edges
• Battery light flicker or heavy steering under load

When replacing belts, it’s good form to check and, if needed, replace the idler/tensioner pulleys at the same time—bearings are a wear item. Set belt tension exactly as per the Subaru service manual (over-tight belts can cook alternator and idler bearings, too loose will slip and glaze). After fitting a manually adjusted belt, recheck tension after a short run‑in period. Avoid belt “dressings”, clean, aligned pulleys and correct tension do the job best.

Keep an eye on the crankshaft pulley’s rubber isolator. If there’s cracking, separation or wobble, replace it with a quality unit and tighten the crank bolt to the factory torque using the proper holding tool. A tidy drive-belt-pulley system keeps charging solid, steering light, and A/C chilly—exactly what a Forester owner expects on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Does a 2009 Forester use a single serpentine belt?

No. The EJ25‑equipped 2009 Forester typically uses two V‑ribbed accessory belts—one for the alternator/power steering and one for the A/C—along with idler and tensioner pulleys. That layout is documented in the Subaru Factory Service Manual and parts catalogue for the SH series.

How often should the drive-belt-pulleys be replaced?

They’re replaced on condition. Inspect at each service, if a pulley is noisy, rough, misaligned or shows wobble, swap it out. Many workshops replace idler/tensioner pulleys when fitting new belts if bearing wear is evident. Belts themselves are commonly renewed around 60,000–100,000 km, or earlier if worn or noisy.

What noises point to a failing pulley on a 2009 Forester?

Cold-start squeals and on‑off A/C squeaks often point to low tension or a glazed belt, while a rhythmic chirp or growl that tracks engine speed usually suggests an idler/tensioner bearing on the way out. Any visible pulley wobble is a red flag for immediate attention.