Would you consider changing the timing chain??

So, it's not necessarily true that the timing chain is supposed to last the life of the car?? Now that I'm in my 60s, when people tell me this product comes with a "lifetime guarantee", I always ask, whose lifetime are we talking about? I've had two cars with timing belts, the 1995 Honda Accord and now the 2010 Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback doesn't require replacement unit 8.75 years or 105,000 miles, some people think it can wait for 10 or 12 years. Why risk it?? Anyway, I've heard that the belt is more accessible?? Maybe on some cars like you say it varies. In terms of noise, don't you think a rubber belt is quieter than a chain??

Decaf, Mark. Yes, chains can stretch. That's why they often have slap-shields within their runs so they don't clack around so much. But any wobbling of timing should be moderated pretty well by the ECM's software. Nonetheless, a modern chain should be good for 5- 10000 hrs operation. And to prick your old scab, replacing Subie's 2.5i belt before a decade is financially foolhardy. Only the highly- insured masochists need apply....