Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Drive belt pulley

2016 Subaru Impreza drive-belt-pulley — what it does and when to service it

Based on technical sources — including the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2016 Impreza (FB20) sections covering the accessory V-belt, automatic tensioner and crankshaft pulley, the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue for MY16 Impreza/GP (FB20), and Australian application catalogues from Gates and Dayco — the 2016 Subaru Impreza absolutely uses drive-belt pulleys. The FB20 runs a single serpentine belt that drives the alternator and A/C compressor via the crankshaft pulley, with an automatic tensioner and at least one idler pulley. The power steering is electric (no hydraulic pump), and the water pump is driven internally by the timing chain, so it’s not on the accessory belt.

On this Impreza, the drive-belt-pulley setup keeps the accessory belt routed and tensioned so the alternator charges properly and the air-con stays frosty. The crankshaft pulley (harmonic damper) delivers the rotation, the alternator and A/C pulleys are the driven units, and the tensioner/idler pulleys keep the belt stable, quiet and aligned.

For routine servicing, it’s smart to check the belt and pulleys at every service interval. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, that usually means a quick look each 10,000–15,000 km or 6–12 months. Replace the belt at the first signs of cracking, fraying, glazing or chunking — many owners see 90,000–120,000 km before a change, but condition beats kilometres. Pulleys and the automatic tensioner last longer, yet any bearing roughness, wobble, noise or visible misalignment is a cue to replace.

• Listen for chirps or squeals on cold start, that often points to a glazed belt or tired pulley bearing.
• With the belt off, spin the idler and tensioner pulleys, any play, rumble or grittiness means they’re due.
• Follow the under-bonnet routing diagram when refitting a belt and make sure all ribs are seated on every pulley.
• If oil or coolant has soaked the belt or pulleys, replace the contaminated parts — contamination shortens life quickly.

If a belt or pulley fails, the engine won’t overheat from that alone (the water pump isn’t on this belt), but you’ll lose charging and A/C. That can leave the battery flat, so it shouldn’t be ignored. Use quality OEM or premium aftermarket pulleys and always torque fasteners to the Subaru specs found in the factory manual.

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have a drive-belt-pulley?

Yes. The FB20 engine uses a serpentine belt driven by the crankshaft pulley to run the alternator and A/C, with an automatic tensioner and idler pulleys. There’s no power-steering pump pulley (it’s electric), and the water pump is chain-driven inside the engine, not by the accessory belt.

How often should the drive belt and pulleys be replaced?

Inspect the belt and pulleys at every service. Many belts last 90,000–120,000 km, but replace on condition at the first sign of wear or noise. Tensioner and idler pulleys are replaced as needed when bearings get noisy, loose or rough, or proactively when doing a second belt in higher‑kilometre cars.

What are the symptoms of a bad pulley on a 2016 Impreza?

Common signs include squeals or chirps, visible wobble, belt tracking off-centre, or rapid belt wear. Charging issues (battery light) can show up if the alternator isn’t driven properly. The car will still run if the belt slips or snaps, but without charging you could be stranded once the battery runs down, so it’s best to sort it promptly.