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I have read your previous reply regarding the necessity to change water pumps with cam belts on an A3 Audi.

I have a 1999 Legacy 2.5 and I am receiving the same advice from my Subaru agent except that they also recommend replacing all front end oil seals as well as the cambelts and waterpump.

The potential bill exceeds $1300 which seems high when I have religiously followed the service schedules. Comments would be appreciated

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 9 September 2008

It is a very interesting question and one which can have two different answers depending on ones point of view.

There is the camp that says if a seal is not leaking then leave it alone, changing it can introduce a leak.

The other camp will say the seals should be changed to ensure the new cam belt does not get impregnated in oil if the seals were to leak in the future.

I guess there is no right or wrong answer, the only thing for certain is; if a seal were to leak that wasn't replaced at the time the belt was renewed, then there is no comeback on the repairer and the whole job has to be repeated at the owners cost.

My biggest concern has always been the methods used to remove and replace the seals.

If short cuts are taken then leaks can develop and it's a pain having to take the car back and have the work repeated.

Subaru should know their product best so you probably have no option but to follow their recommendations.