Parts for your 2022 Subaru Impreza-Drive belt

2022 Subaru Impreza Drive-Belt: Purpose, Care, and When to Replace

Based on Subaru’s MY2022 Impreza Owner’s Manual maintenance schedule and Subaru factory service information for the FB-series engines, the 2022 Subaru Impreza is fitted with an external accessory (serpentine) drive-belt. This belt is distinct from the engine’s internal timing chain, the FB20 engine in this model uses a chain for valve timing and an accessory belt to spin ancillaries. That means a drive-belt is absolutely relevant on this vehicle.

On the 2022 Impreza, the drive-belt’s main jobs are to turn the alternator and the air‑conditioning compressor. Electric power steering means there’s no hydraulic power steering pump on the belt, and the FB20’s water pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, not the accessory belt. Subaru’s service literature lists regular inspection of the accessory drive-belt, with replacement based on condition rather than a fixed kilometre limit.

In day-to-day terms, a healthy belt keeps the battery charging and the cabin cool. When the belt ages, it can glaze, crack, fray, or stretch, leading to squeaks on start‑up, a flickering charge light, weak air‑con, or visible damage under the bonnet. Because the Impreza uses an automatic belt tensioner, there’s no periodic adjustment—if tension is out or the tensioner bearing is noisy, that component gets replaced along with the belt.

For Aussie and Kiwi servicing, a sensible approach is to have the belt inspected at each scheduled service (typically every 12 months/12,500 km, or as per the local maintenance schedule). Many belts run happily to 90,000–150,000 km, but climate, driving style, and under‑bonnet contaminants can shorten that. If there’s chirping, cracking, oil swelling, or any chunking, it’s time to organise a replacement rather than wait.

• Check for fine surface cracks across the ribs and any missing rib sections.
• Listen for squeal or chirp on cold starts or with air‑con engaged.
• Watch for glazing (shiny ribs), fraying, or rubber dust around pulleys.
• Spin and check the tensioner/idler pulleys for roughness while the belt is off.

When replacing, use a quality belt matched to the FB20 and follow the factory routing diagram. De-tension via the automatic tensioner, fit the new belt squarely in the pulley grooves, then reapply tension and recheck alignment. Belt dressings aren’t recommended—if it slips or squeals, fix the underlying issue. Keeping the drive-belt in good nick is cheap insurance for reliable charging and chilled air on long Kiwi and Aussie road trips.

Popular questions

Does the 2022 Subaru Impreza have a timing belt or chain?
The 2022 Impreza’s FB20 engine uses a timing chain for valve timing. It also has an external accessory (serpentine) drive-belt for the alternator and air‑conditioning compressor. There’s no timing belt on this model.

When should the drive-belt be replaced on a 2022 Impreza?
Subaru specifies regular inspection and replacement based on condition. In local conditions, many belts last 90,000–150,000 km, but they should be checked at each service (around every 12 months/12,500 km). Replace sooner if there’s squeal, cracking, glazing, fraying, or contamination.

What does the drive-belt run on a 2022 Impreza?
Primarily the alternator and the air‑conditioning compressor. Power steering is electric (no belt‑driven pump) and the water pump is internal, driven by the timing chain, not by the accessory belt.