Parts for your 2013 Subaru Exiga-Drive belt

2013 Subaru Exiga drive-belt — what it does and when to replace it

Based on Subaru’s factory service information for the Exiga YA-series and mainstream belt catalogues, the 2013 Subaru Exiga is fitted with a V‑ribbed accessory drive-belt (often called a serpentine belt). This belt drives the alternator and A/C compressor, and on models with hydraulic power steering, the power‑steering pump as well. Sources: Subaru STIS Exiga YA-series Service Manual (Engine/Mechanical – V‑belt), Gates Australia Online Catalogue, Dayco Australia Application Guide.

Under the bonnet, that drive-belt is the unsung hero that keeps the battery charging, the A/C blowing cold on summer arvos, and (where fitted) the steering nice and light. It’s separate from the timing system: many EJ20 Exiga variants use a timing belt behind covers, while FB-series engines use a timing chain inside the engine. Either way, the accessory drive-belt lives out front and is a normal wear item.

For day‑to‑day servicing of a 2013 Subaru Exiga, the drive-belt should be inspected at each service interval. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a good rule of thumb is a quick look every 10,000–15,000 kilometres or annually, and plan on replacement around 90,000–120,000 kilometres or 5–7 years, sooner if it shows wear. Subaru’s workshop material calls for periodic inspection and replacement if worn, noisy, or damaged, so go by condition as well as time and distance.

• What to look for: cracking between ribs, fraying, glazing/shiny ribs, missing chunks, or belt dust around the pulleys.
• What you might hear: chirps or squeals on cold start, especially with A/C on, a slipping belt can also cause dim charging at idle.
• What to check: the automatic tensioner and idler pulleys (FB engines use a spring tensioner, many EJ setups use separate belts/adjusters). If they’re noisy or rough, replace them with the belt.

Helpful tips: don’t use belt dressing—if it’s noisy, find the cause and fix it. Fit a quality belt (OEM-equivalent from reputable brands is fine), route it exactly as per the diagram under the bonnet, and double‑check rib alignment before starting. On EJ variants that run two separate belts (A/C and alternator/PS), set tension by the book, over‑tightening can chew out bearings. On FB engines with an auto tensioner, simply release the tensioner, slip the new belt on, and let the tensioner set it—too easy.

Note: the Subaru water pump is not driven by this belt on these engines, so a drive-belt swap doesn’t require coolant or timing work. As always, follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and workshop specs for your exact engine code.

Popular questions about the 2013 Subaru Exiga drive-belt

Does the 2013 Subaru Exiga use a drive-belt, and is it the same as the timing belt?
Yes—the Exiga runs an accessory drive (serpentine/V‑ribbed) belt for the alternator and A/C (and power‑steering pump on some variants). That’s a different part to the engine’s timing system. Depending on the engine, the Exiga uses either a timing belt (EJ20) or a timing chain (FB-series). The accessory belt is external, easy to inspect, and replaced on condition.

How often should the drive-belt be replaced?
Inspect it every service and replace if there’s cracking, glazing, fraying, noise or slippage. As a guide for Aussie/NZ use, many owners replace around 90,000–120,000 km or 5–7 years. Subaru’s service literature emphasises condition-based replacement, so if it looks or sounds tired, don’t wait.

Which belt does my Exiga need?
It depends on the engine (EJ20 vs FB-series) and whether the car has one or two accessory belts. Check the under‑bonnet routing label, your owner’s manual, or a parts catalogue using your VIN. If the tensioner or idlers are noisy, grab a kit that includes those pulleys as well.