Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Drive belt

2013 Subaru Forester Drive-Belt

Yes, a drive-belt is absolutely used on the 2013 Subaru Forester. Technical sources that confirm this include the Subaru Forester 2013 Owner’s Manual (Maintenance and Service – Drive belt inspection), the Subaru Service Manual for the SH-series Forester (engine sections detailing the alternator/power steering V-belt and the A/C “stretch” belt), and major belt manufacturers’ application catalogues that list the two accessory belts fitted to FB25-powered models and equivalent belts for EJ255 turbo variants. Those factory documents note routine inspection and show the belt routing and replacement procedures, which makes the drive-belt a normal service item on this vehicle.

On a 2013 Forester, the accessory drive-belt(s) spin the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor. On FB25 non‑turbo models, the belt system also drives the water pump, on the EJ255 turbo, the water pump is driven by the engine’s timing belt, while the accessory belt still runs the alternator, power steering and A/C. Either way, keeping the belts healthy keeps the charging system, steering assist and cabin cooling happy.

As part of regular servicing, the drive-belt should be inspected at each visit. Subaru’s documentation calls for checks of condition and tension: look for fraying, glazing, cracking across the ribs, rubber dust around the pulleys, and listen for squeals or chirps after a cold start. The FB25 uses two belts: an alternator/power steering belt with an adjuster, and a separate A/C “stretch” belt that has no tensioner and must be replaced rather than adjusted. On EJ engines, there are still separate belts, but with conventional tensioning hardware.

Replacement timing is largely condition-based, but a practical rule is to budget for new belts somewhere around 90,000–120,000 kilometres, sooner if there’s noise, slip, visible wear, or oil contamination. When replacing, it’s smart to do both belts together, use OEM-quality EPDM belts, check pulley and tensioner condition, and fit the A/C stretch belt with the correct installation tool (don’t lever it on with a screwdriver). After installation, run the engine, recheck tracking, and re‑inspect within the next 500–1,000 kilometres. Belt dressing isn’t recommended, fix the cause rather than masking the noise.

• Tell-tales it needs attention: battery warning light, heavy steering feel, intermittent A/C cooling, belt squeal, or visible cracking.
• Harsh climates, dusty roads, and frequent short trips can shorten belt life—inspect more often if that’s the car’s routine.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Forester drive-belt

Does the 2013 Forester have a drive-belt or a timing belt/chain?

It has accessory drive-belt(s) for the alternator, power steering and A/C on all engines. For engine timing, most 2013 non‑turbo Foresters (FB25) use a timing chain, while the 2.5XT turbo (EJ255) uses a timing belt. The accessory drive-belt is separate from the timing system.

How often should the drive-belt be replaced?

Subaru emphasises condition-based servicing: inspect the belt(s) at every service and replace if worn, noisy, contaminated, or out of spec. As a guide, many owners see 90,000–120,000 kilometres from quality belts, but high heat, dust, or short-trip use can shorten that. The A/C stretch belt should be replaced rather than adjusted.

What noises mean the drive-belt needs attention?

Cold-start squeals, chirps under load, or a rhythmic slapping sound are common red flags. Noise can come from a glazed belt, misaligned pulley, weak tensioner, or fluid contamination. Rather than using belt spray, inspect the belt ribs and pulleys and replace worn parts.