2011 WRX Tensioner/Timing Belt

[thetruth2010]

Started getting a sound from the engine that I researched online with videos. And someone had the same sound and it was concluded that the Tensioner was u/s or faulty. So they replaced that and the timing belt to fix the problem... my question is it just the STI that comes with this tensioner. Because my WRX does not have a tensioner for the AC Belt. The Accessory Belt does have a tensioner next to the Alternator. Just wondering if this isn't standard on the WRX or simply if it was missed. The AC Belt is tight, but just found that interesting that the location where the Tensioner pulley would be installed there is nothing present. Always interests me when there is screw holes but no part or bolts present. Thanks for any info anyone can provide.

[SD_GR]

The timing belt tensioner is installed on all motors in the series and is not visible without removing the front engine covers. It is roughly 20 cm below the top edge of the right (as you stand facing the motor in the car) front cover, and is a single roller with a hydraulic pivot arm.

[thetruth2010]

I removed the top cover revealing the Accessory Belt tensioner as I said which is next to the alternator. The other belt is the timing belt, the one that is closer to the motor itself. There is no tensioner installed on that belt. Let me know if that was the belt tensioner you were referring to.

[Anub1s]

I don't think you understand what the different belts are. That top cover reveals the alternator/power steering belt, the A/C belt has a tensioner, the alternator doesn't. The alternator itself adjusts with a bolt and a locking nut to get the proper tension. The A/C tensioner is down near the bottom of the engine.

The timing belt is hidden completely by 3 separate covers behind the accessory belts and the crank pulley. You have to remove the driver side cover in order to see the tensioner and inspect the belt.

[SD_GR]

There are three belts. The two visible belts are not the timing belt. The timing belt is hidden behind the front covers. The front covers are three pieces and are held by roughly ten bolts.

[T0rque]

I removed the top cover revealing the Accessory Belt tensioner as I said which is next to the alternator. The other belt is the timing belt, the one that is closer to the motor itself. There is no tensioner installed on that belt. Let me know if that was the belt tensioner you were referring to.

That is the AC belt which on newer gens is a stretch belt meaning you have to cut the belt to remove it.

The timing belt is not visible and this issue is in WRX models as well since I am one who had it.

[thetruth2010]

Thanks for the info folks! When I researched the videos several of the matches were the changing of the tensioner of the AC Belt which was being called a timing belt. I was wondering why it appeared the older models had a more complicated Timing belt system. Thanks again

[T0rque]

So you are hearing the ac compressor clutch engage? is that the problem?

[thetruth2010]

from my understanding of a clip where someone had a very similar problem/sound, they had a follow up saying that it ended up being the tensioner pulley and they also replaced the timing belt on precaution of damage from the faulty tensioner on warranty.