Suspension Sqeeks & is it Timing Belt Time?

[odi]

On my 02 impreza outback sport the front sqeeks as suspension compresses. I'm pretty sure its not the top strut rubbers, not the sway bar bushings, is it the a-arm bushings? I would like to replace these w/ aftermarket but i race the SS4 class.

Also, my car had 124,XXX miles on it when I purchased it from a ghetto dealership (it was a good deal). I don't know if the timing belt has been replaced. Should I just replace that thing now? Or would have the original belt broken already? I'm mechanically inclined and wanted to know if I need special tools and a tech manual to pull it off.

[UP2MTNS]

I'm willing to bet you should replace the timing belt. Even if it was replaced at some point, if it brakes, its brand new engine time.

Its no small feat to change the timing belt in a WRX, I'm sure it similar in an outback. Get a manual, and someone that's done it before to help.

[I Like It Sideways]

What he said... change the timing belt, its much better than replacing the motor. Labor on the TB sucks (if you pay someone to do it)

You have an SOHC motor, yes?
If you do, its not too incredibly hard to do.
Just time consuming.
If you do it yourself, take out the radiator to give yourself some room to work with. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

[JacksonRally]

My lower arm bushings would squeak after silty type events such as J.V.....they are probably dried out also.

[odi]

So since you guys insisted, I changed my timing belt today. Pep Boys had one for $46. Now I feal much more at ease having a motor with 128K on it.

Now I gotta lube up them lower arm bushings.

Oh, almost forgot, here is a link for FREE Subaru repair manual downloads. http://www.cannell.co.uk/Manuals.htm

[sebhockey]

To add on to what others have said about lubing the bushings, clean them first then lube. I like to give my suspension a good wash down after every off road event I go to cause I normally will get dirt in places it shouldn't be. It's a lot easier to get out after the event then after a few events when its had time to get in between bushings/bearings/etc and wear them down. UP2MTNS can tell you first hand that I'm pretty anal about cleaning stuff up before putting it back together while doing maintenance.