Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Drive belt

2016 Subaru Forester drive-belt — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, a drive-belt is absolutely relevant on a 2016 Subaru Forester. Technical documentation such as the Subaru Forester (SJ) Workshop Manual — Engine section “Drive Belt/Air Conditioner Belt”, the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue for FB/FA/EE engines, and Subaru service schedules confirm the model uses external accessory drive-belts. On petrol FB25/FA20 models the belts run the alternator and air-con compressor (electric power steering and a timing chain handle the rest). On the 2.0D EE20 diesel, external belts also drive accessories, while the engine timing is by a separate timing belt.

In plain terms, the Forester’s drive-belt keeps everyday essentials humming. It spins the alternator so the battery stays charged and powers the air-con so the cabin stays cool on a scorching arvo. Petrol models typically use a main multi-rib belt for the alternator and a separate “stretch” belt for the A/C compressor. There’s no power steering pump on these — that’s electric — and the petrol engines use a timing chain inside the engine, not an external timing belt. The diesel EE20 does use a timing belt for engine timing, separate from these accessory belts.

Servicing-wise, the smart play is to have the belts inspected at each regular service (around every 12 months or 12,500 km, or as per the owner’s handbook). Belts are wear items, most last a long stint, often 90,000–150,000 km, but replacement is strictly “condition based”. If there’s cracking across the ribs, glazing, fraying, missing chunks, chirping/squealing on start-up, or accessory wobble, it’s time to fit fresh belts.

On FB/FA petrol engines the A/C belt is a stretch-fit design with no conventional tensioner, correct installation needs the proper tool and procedure to avoid damage. The alternator belt uses a tensioner and must be set to spec — too tight can stress bearings, too loose can slip and squeal. Always check pulley alignment and condition while you’re there.

• Watch for noise on cold starts or with A/C on.
• Look for cracks, glazing, fraying, or rubber dust.
• Replace belts in pairs where applicable and follow torque/tension specs.
• If unsure, have a technician measure belt wear with a rib-depth gauge.

Keeping the Forester’s drive-belts in good nick is cheap insurance for a reliable charge system and chilled air-con across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

FAQs

Does a 2016 Forester have a timing belt or chain?
Petrol FB25/FA20 engines use a timing chain, so there’s no scheduled timing belt change on those. The 2.0D EE20 diesel variant uses a timing belt for engine timing, separate from the external accessory drive-belts.

How often should the accessory drive-belts be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre count for petrol models — they’re replaced on condition. Have them checked at each service, many last 90,000–150,000 km. Replace sooner if there’s cracking, glazing, noise, or slipping.

How many belts does a 2016 Forester have?
Most petrol models run two external belts: a main multi-rib belt for the alternator and a separate stretch belt for the A/C compressor. Diesel layouts vary but also use external belts for accessories, plus a separate timing belt for engine timing.