Parts for your 2018 Subaru Forester-Timing belt kit

Timing Belt Kit and the 2018 Subaru Forester: What You Need to Know

The 2018 Subaru Forester is a popular SUV known for its reliability, safety, and all-weather capability. When it comes to maintaining this vehicle, many owners often ask about timing belt kits and whether they are relevant to their Forester. To clarify, the 2018 Subaru Forester does not use a timing belt. Instead, it is fitted with a timing chain, which means a traditional timing belt kit is not applicable or required for this model.

So why does the 2018 Subaru Forester use a timing chain instead of a timing belt? And what does this mean for owners when it comes to maintenance? Let's dive into the details.

Timing belts and timing chains both serve the critical function of synchronising the camshaft and crankshaft in an engine. This synchronisation is essential because it ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the right time during the combustion process. If this timing gets off, it can lead to poor engine performance or even engine damage.

Timing belts are usually made of rubber with high-tensile fibres, making them quieter and less expensive to produce. They are commonly found on many vehicles but require routine replacement at specific mileage intervals to prevent failure. Failure to replace a worn timing belt can lead to devastating consequences, including bent valves, damaged pistons, and major engine repairs.

On the other hand, timing chains are made of metal and resemble a bicycle chain. They are designed to last the lifetime of the engine in most cases, requiring significantly less maintenance. While timing chains can stretch or wear over time, these issues tend to arise much later compared to timing belts, and many manufacturers, including Subaru, recommend inspecting rather than routinely replacing them unless a problem occurs.

The 2018 Subaru Forester, equipped with the FB25 engine (a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated flat-four), utilises a timing chain setup. This design decision is made for several reasons:

• Durability: Timing chains generally have a longer service life compared to belts.
• Less Maintenance: Chains do not require scheduled replacement as part of normal servicing.
• Reliability: Metal chains are less susceptible to heat and wear from oil exposure compared to rubber belts.

This means that unlike vehicles with a timing belt, owners of a 2018 Subaru Forester do not need to purchase or replace a timing belt kit. A typical timing belt kit includes the belt itself along with items like a tensioner and idler pulleys, all necessary because the belt's rubber material wears out over time. Since the Forester uses a chain, none of these components require routine replacement as part of preventative maintenance.

However, just because the 2018 Forester uses a timing chain does not mean there is zero maintenance involved. Timing chains rely on proper lubrication from engine oil, and so regular oil changes and using the right grade of oil are crucial to keeping everything running smoothly. Poor oil quality or infrequent oil changes may cause the chain and associated components to wear prematurely.

It is also possible for timing chains to stretch or the tensioners and guides to wear out, but these issues are relatively rare and tend to appear at very high mileage, often well beyond 200,000 kilometres. If such a problem is suspected, a mechanic will listen for unusual rattling noises on cold starts or check for engine performance issues.

For Subaru Forester owners, knowing that there is no timing belt kit to worry about can be a relief. It removes the need to budget for a costly service item that is due every 100,000 kilometres or so on vehicles with belts. Instead, their maintenance focus can remain on regular oil changes, scheduled general servicing, and periodic inspections, which helps prolong engine life and performance.

In short, the 2018 Subaru Forester was designed with long-term reliability in mind, choosing a timing chain over a timing belt for its engine. This means no timing belt kit is fitted or needed, but proper servicing including timely oil changes is the best way to keep that chain functioning as intended for many kilometres to come. If a chain-related problem ever arises, it will be picked up during routine servicing or diagnostics and can be addressed without extensive preventative replacements.