Parts for your 2013 Subaru Forester-Water pump

2013 Subaru Forester water pump — what it does and when to replace it

According to Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2013 Forester (SH) and the official Subaru parts catalogue, every 2013 Forester is fitted with a mechanical engine coolant pump (water pump). The naturally aspirated FB25 uses a chain-driven pump mounted behind the front cover, while the turbocharged EJ255 (XT) uses a belt-driven pump behind the timing covers. So yes — a water pump is absolutely relevant on a 2013 Subaru Forester.

The water pump’s job is straightforward and crucial: it keeps coolant moving through the block, heads, heater core and radiator so the engine holds a stable temperature, avoids hotspots and gives reliable cabin heating and demisting. Without a healthy pump, the Forester can overheat, ping, or suffer premature head gasket and bearing damage — not ideal on any Aussie or Kiwi road trip.

On the FB25, there’s no fixed replacement interval for the pump itself, it’s replaced when there are signs of wear or leakage. On the XT’s EJ255, the smart move is to replace the pump whenever the timing belt is due, because the labour overlaps and fresh coolant, a new thermostat and a full belt kit (tensioner and idlers) make for a tidy, long-lasting job.

What to watch for under the bonnet:

• Pink/white crust around the pump or weep hole, or a sweet coolant smell after shutdown
• Growling or wobble at the pump pulley (EJ255) or unusual front-engine noise (FB25)
• Temperature swings, poor heater output, or the low coolant light

Good servicing habits for a 2013 Forester water pump:

1. Follow the owner’s handbook for coolant spec and change intervals (Subaru Super Coolant/blue is typical). Always use fresh, correct coolant — no tap water top-ups.
2. During routine services, inspect for leaks, staining, play or noise, and check the radiator cap and hoses.
3. If replacing the pump: use a quality pump and new gasket/O-rings, follow FSM torque specs, renew the thermostat and gasket, and on EJ255 pair it with the timing belt service.
4. Bleed the cooling system properly (heater on hot, bleed points per FSM) to avoid air pockets. Recheck coolant level over the next few trips.

This approach keeps the Forester’s cooling system rock solid, whether it’s an FB25 daily driver or an EJ255 XT that sees a bit of spirited touring across Aussie and NZ backroads.

FAQs

Does a 2013 Subaru Forester have a water pump?

Yes. Both engines used in 2013 — the FB25 (non-turbo) and the EJ255 (XT turbo) — are liquid-cooled and use a mechanical water pump. The FB25’s pump is driven by the timing chain behind the front cover, while the EJ255’s pump is driven by the timing belt behind the timing covers.

When should the water pump be replaced on a 2013 Forester?

On FB25 models there’s no fixed interval — replace if it leaks, gets noisy, or shows play. On EJ255 XT models, replace the water pump proactively when the timing belt service is due because the same area is opened up and the labour overlaps. Always fit fresh coolant and consider a thermostat at the same time.

What are the signs of a failing water pump?

Look for coolant weeping or crusting near the pump area, a sweet coolant smell, bearing noise from the front of the engine, temperature fluctuations, or weak cabin heat. Any of these are a cue to book the Forester in before it overheats.