Q: My Subaru Forester XT (2014) with the FA20 turbo engine makes the timing belt screeching noise when it starts up

asked by on November 16, 2017

The timing belt makes the nails on chalkboard noise upon start up but noise goes away after 15-30 secs and only makes the noise around idling rpm to 1000 rpm

My car has 59828 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is making a noise Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The engine in your particular model was equipped with a timing chain, not a belt. The screeching noise that you are describing could be due to a faulty bearing in a pulley that is in the "circuit" of components driven by the serpentine belt. Other causes of such noise are the belt itself (improper tension) and there is also a possibility that the belt driven components are not rotating in the same plane. If you request a vehicle noise diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will definitely find the origin of the noise and get this resolved promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Hear noise on driver's side wheel when turning right
The first clicking sound is likely coming from a faulty CV axle. This clicking sound is made by a faulty joint within the cv axle. I would first recommend having a suspension and brakes inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection) performed by a qualified...
Something dragging on ground
Hi. You should have this inspected soon as there could be costly damage as a result. Over time the mounts that hold the exhaust system and muffler can become loose allowing them to swing around or drop lower than intended....
Remote and windshield issues
Hello there, a few different things can cause the power door lock to not work for the passenger side. The most common would be the lock actuator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-door-lock-actuator), wiring issues, or a mechanical linkage issue for the lock. When the...
If theres a small hole in front exhaust will it affect the fuel consumption?
Hello. This may potentially affect fuel economy due to the fact that this introduces more oxygen into the exhaust flow. When this happens, the oxygen sensor will detect additional oxygen flow which will cause it to relay this to the...
Check Engine Light is on and I am getting codes P2600, P22aa, and P24aa
Hello. The codes you have provided are related to the engine and emissions systems. P2600 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2600-obd-ii-trouble-code-coolant-pump-control-circuit-open-by-brady-klopfer) appears to be related to an issue with the engine's coolant pump circuit. This model of vehicle uses an electric water pump. The computer...
I have a gear changing problem on my 1999 Toyota Camry
This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid. As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a transmission solenoid, which directs transmission...
Battery issues - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
The battery may not be able to hold a charge because if the battery is dead (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection). In order to check the charging system you will first have to have the battery charged and tested to see if battery needs...
Three of my Civic's power windows fail to operate simultaneously. are they having the same power switch problem?
Hello, thank you for writing in. At first it sounds as if the "child locks" have been turned on, make sure this is not the case. The power for the windows comes from the main and under dash fuse boxes,...
88 Grand Prix 2.8L. Idles fine in park but won't go over 2k rpms. Idles fine in drive but won't go over 30mph or 2k rpms
Hello, thank you for writing in. Everything you have done so far will only improve the performance once this issue is resolved, so do not loose hope yet. The only system it would appear you have not looked into would...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Subaru Legacy
The The 2012 Subaru Legacy has top safety ratings, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and good fuel economy making it an attractive option for a family sedan. Key Features The Subaru Legacy comes with a 2.5i six speed manual transmission with 170hp....
2014 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2014 Jeep Wrangler: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs are a crowded market, but Jeep has long been a name to remember. SUVs are generally built on the chassis of a truck and provide the overall handling of a truck instead of feeling more like a car that...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Need to Haul a Motocross Bike
Of Of course you would love to be able to ride your motocross bike everywhere, but the reality is, at some point you're going to need to transport it. A cargo van of almost any make or model would be...