99 Legacy Outack - Belt Squealing - is it the timing belt?

Asked by mozea7 Apr 13, 2011 at 10:47 AM about the 1999 Subaru Legacy

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Howdy All -

I'm the proud owner of a '99 Legacy Outback with just shy of 200K miles to its name.  By no means an avid mechanic, I've recently taken both an idealistic and pragmatic interest in doing as much of my own maintenance work on the old gal as possible – seems about time to finally learn something about how all of this stuff works!  :)  With that in mind, any insight y'all could lend would be greatly appreciated.

Upon starting my car, a belt will squeal for some time (the longest I've let it go unabated is about 20 seconds) unless I shift into reverse (which will cause the noise to cease).  Also, the check engine light came on recently, so I used the ole OBD to find that I have an issue with the knock sensor.  I popped the hood to visually inspect what belts I can see, but found none to appear frayed or overly worn.  Also, when I park the car after driving, I can smell something burning, but can't discern anything leaking.  Finally, I know I'm due to have the timing belt changed yet again (seeing as though the last time it was performed was at the 100K mark).  

I'm curious if this all indicates that it's my timing belt that is in serious need of changing, or if it might be another belt.  The reason I'm so keen on being able to differentiate this is because I'd like to be able to remedy the problem myself if it's a simple belt swap, but if it's the timing belt I need to get my car to my local mechanic (which requires a weekend trip back home).

Thanks in advance for any info you might be able to impart to this newbie -

Matthew

1 Answer

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    2,800
  • #2
    Anthony_60
    Reputation
    1,800
  • #3
    Tom Hawkins
    Reputation
    1,510
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Impreza
18 Great Deals out of 455 listings starting at $3,850
Used Subaru Outback
28 Great Deals out of 866 listings starting at $1,895
Used Toyota Camry
53 Great Deals out of 996 listings starting at $2,212
Used Subaru Forester
28 Great Deals out of 1,046 listings starting at $2,695
Used Honda Accord
44 Great Deals out of 913 listings starting at $1,599
Used Subaru WRX
19 Great Deals out of 518 listings starting at $8,990
Used Honda Civic
177 Great Deals out of 3,775 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota Corolla
125 Great Deals out of 2,068 listings starting at $2,795
Used Toyota RAV4
101 Great Deals out of 2,120 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda CR-V
100 Great Deals out of 3,893 listings starting at $1,795

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.