Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Timing belt kit

2013 Subaru Forester timingbeltkit — belt or chain?

Short answer: it depends on the engine. Technical references, including Subaru’s 2013 Forester service literature and maintenance schedule, show the 2.5i non‑turbo models run the FB25 engine with a timing chain (no timing belt kit required). In contrast, the 2013 Forester XT turbo runs the EJ255 engine, which uses a timing belt, and therefore a timingbeltkit is absolutely relevant. Industry catalogues from Gates and Dayco for AU/NZ also list complete belt kits specifically for the 2013 EJ255 turbo variant, but not for the FB25 chain‑drive models.

Why there’s no timingbeltkit on the 2.5i: the FB25 uses a chain bathed in engine oil with hydraulic tensioning. Chains are designed as “life‑of‑engine” components under normal servicing, so there’s no scheduled belt replacement. Good oil and regular changes are key—neglected oil can accelerate chain wear or tensioner issues, but there’s still no timingbeltkit involved on these models.

For owners of the 2013 Forester XT turbo (EJ255), a timingbeltkit matters. The kit’s job is to keep the camshafts and crankshaft synchronised so valves and pistons don’t collide—this is an interference engine. A quality kit typically includes the toothed belt, hydraulic tensioner, idler pulleys, and often a water pump and seals. Subaru’s published service guidance for EJ25 engines specifies timing belt replacement at roughly 105,000 miles (about 168,000 km) or 105 months, many AU/NZ workshops also work to time‑based intervals of 8–10 years given age hardening.

• What’s in a good kit: belt, tensioner, idlers, water pump, cam/crank seals, and a thermostat gasket.
• Why replace as a kit: all components age together, mixing old pulleys with a new belt can lead to premature failure.

Best practice during servicing of a 2013 Forester XT timingbeltkit is to renew the water pump and coolant at the same time—less labour overall and fewer future leaks. Use the correct Subaru‑spec coolant, torque fasteners to spec, and verify timing marks twice before cranking. Signs it’s overdue or unhappy include chirps/whirrs from the front of the engine, coolant seepage at the pump, oil at the cam or crank seals, or a belt with glazing or cracks. If any of these pop up, don’t punt it down the road—sort it promptly.

Technical sources referenced: Subaru Forester (MY2013) service manuals for FB25 (chain drive) and EJ255 (belt drive), Subaru maintenance schedules noting belt replacement on EJ25 turbo models, AU/NZ Gates and Dayco catalogues listing belt kits for 2013 EJ255 and none for FB25.

• Does my 2013 Forester have a timing belt or a chain?

Most 2013 2.5i models run the FB25 with a timing chain—no timing belt kit required. The 2013 Forester XT turbo runs the EJ255 with a timing belt, so a timingbeltkit applies. Check the build plate or engine code if unsure.

If it’s badged “XT” (turbo), plan on a belt. If it’s a naturally aspirated 2.5i, it’s a chain.

• When should the timingbeltkit be replaced on a 2013 Forester XT?

Subaru guidance for EJ25 turbo models is about 105,000 miles (≈168,000 km) or 105 months. In AU/NZ, many workshops also recommend 8–10 years on age, even at lower kilometres, because rubber and bearings age out.

Replace sooner if there’s noise from idlers, oil contamination, coolant leaks at the pump, or any belt damage.

• What parts should be in a proper EJ255 timingbeltkit?

A complete kit will include the timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, all idler pulleys, and ideally a water pump with gasket. Many techs also add cam and crank seals plus a thermostat for a thorough job.

Using matched components avoids mixing old bearings with a new belt, reducing the risk of early failure.