How To Change A Subaru DOHC EJ20 EJ25 Timing Belt

This is a comprehensive guide on how to change a Subaru DOHC timing belt on EJ20 or EJ25 engines found in Subaru Impreza, WRX, STI, RS, Legacy, and Forrester vehicles. We also show you the alignment marks and procedure to tension the timing belt as well as changing the water pump.
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[@aussiebloke609]

The one thing I would add to this procedure is to turn the engine over by hand for 2 full revolutions and check the timing marks again, before reinstalling the cover. It's a handy way to ensure all the slack is taken out of the belt and that you still have all the sprockets in position. A little too much slack in the bottom of the belt, and you'll end up with one bank about a tooth out of position. I know it's probably not an _absolute_ requirement if everything was done perfectly, but it's always best to be extra sure before firing the engine. And it only takes a minute or two - cheap insurance, I reckon. :-)

[@Gvr4Life]

Exactly what I was looking for before I said it.

[@brkenrice]

aussiebloke609 I agree

[@bobbyeno7790]

Yeah goodpoint

[@willybman3723]

I'm sure he knows

[@MrLifeEclipse]

excellent comment, I remember my buddy showed me the same thing during my build

[@kartboarder22g17]

Now thats the type of mechanic you want working on your vehicle!

[@KDD8]

a JDM mechanic

[@KDD8]

One who specializes in Japanese cars

[@DnakDnak]

Insane Engine JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market which refers to all the cars (and products) made in Japan.

[@PTAR1984]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5mVY52ViZqhgpI

[@Mr_Rager1996]

Seriously

[@stevethedonful]

That "beep" on the LH cam sprocket got me 🤣🤣🤣

[@Badwerty0]

I used this guide step by step while doing my timing belt for the first time This is one of the most descriptive,accurate, and informative/helpful guides I’ve ever seen BIG PROPS to this guy

[@emjay758]

What size allen key was used?

[@El_Chompo]

I really liked this video a lot. This technician explained things well and I like how you showed every step of the process. I learned a lot, thanks.

[@ryanzinck4905]

agreed. Good job!

[@JoseCamacho-cv7zt]

gracias por la explicación les envío un saludo de Querétaro

[@atlasintegrations4114]

Procharged 4.3 V6 S10 guy here... I love this video. Had the Timing kit on hand for the 02 WRX I bought last summer... 161K on original belt... Yikes. Love these little boxer engines. Power per cubic inch is insane... Easy to work on. VIDEO IS AWESOME... It made total sense to me. Watched it 3 times just to make sure I had it down pat. Thanks Speed Academy!!!

[@christoforos82]

Very good video! I had removed the gearbox and the flywheel for another repair on a GC8 so I saw straight away the problem of removing the crank pulley. To do so I fabricated a special tool which holds the pulley from the 4 holes and the same time the socket can reach the bolt. It was also designed as such that it can remove the pulley by just moving away the fans without removing the radiator and coolant.

[@daltongriffis]

Thanks guys! This helped me a ton. A little note for people with V1 JDM motors (Mine's an EJ20G): You will need to either re-use or find a different (older style) tensioner. Besides that, everything else will work!

[@violinmiata]

Nam’s is a great teacher. Clear speaking and soft spoken. Only a guru gives an interview in nitrile gloves with torque specs at the front of every sentence. Thanks!!!

[@project_ej2]

Great video! Very Detailed and straightforward. I helped my buddy do his timing chain in just a few hours. Did the spark plugs while we were at it, and that took longer lol

[@MrPoconoracing]

I wanted to take a minute to thank you for posting this video. You saved my butt resetting the driver side cams after they slipped changing my timing belt

[@BeeeHonest]

Nam is awesome! Clear, easy to follow! He should have his own channel! Good job Nam!

[@joshuas10]

Best install video i have seen on youtube. Mad props to the tech for explaining everything as he went.

[@veteranheavyequipmechanic4990]

Glad to see it worked out I did them a bit differently at the dealer. Looking at the engine from the front I used those black spring paper clamps to hold the belt at the correct mark on the left bank, leave the clogged gear and the tiny gear off all others in place. Then belt over the crank held with a plastic friction clamp. Set both right side cam gears on top of the closest lobes so they don't spin out then use clamps to hold the belt on respective marks tucking excess belt between the cam gears, now the belt can't slip. Grab the belt by the water pump and pull and all the slack goes there for installing the cogged gear there then push down on the belt by the tensioner to pull the slack there rolling the cams and pulling slack there for the last idler, double check marks and pull the tensioner pin.

[@TakeItEasyJono]

Thanks a lot! this video helpded a lot. finished the job last night. That spill-free funnel is SO worth the 30 bucks

[@marshall100100]

Just done my own belt on my 2001 subaru forester turbo, couldn't have done it without this guide! Huge thanks.

[@Zapablast05]

Just what I was looking for with Nam presenting a video, because I'm doing my timing belt and associated parts today!

[@boostedbuiltgarage]

Nicely done. Prob the best how-to video on the EJ timing belt. Really shows how 'not that daunting' it is. 🤙

[@KuraiKumoStudio777]

Thank you for this video! Got my timing belt, water pump, thermostat, tensioner and idlers changed and now my car is running good!

[@Jason-je7qj]

thank you for this video!! confident now that changing a t-belt on a flat engine is not as scary as my tech buddies made it out to be.

[@ninjatacoshark]

Thank you for the video, I'm facing the prospect of needing to do this to my wrx and was wondering how difficult it would be to do myself. I talked with some people at car meets I go to with subarus of their own and they kept saying how you would have to take the engine out. I found that pretty ridiculous so good to know its possible without doing so.

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

I wish he can be my mentor as I start to learn more about my Subie. I love how thorough he is. Thank you Speed Auto for the video! I’m about to do my belt soon and will need this video. Update I started my belt job and I think I will need that tool for the two belts that goes to the ac and alternator.

[@ayne222]

We are gonna do this on my Impreza 2008 non-turbo this weekend. I'll use this video, thanks a lot

[@abtranquillo4370]

The word “double check” makes me confident with this professional mechanic. Great info and clear explanation 👍😀

[@captainpoog7789]

Thanks guys. Just finished my timing belt using this video. Never thought I could. Really appreciate your efforts

[@speedacademy]

Thanks awesome to hear! Glad we were able to help.

[@bobbybelcher9097]

Did your engine explode? This video was a speed run of the entire process and people in the comments are saying how detailed it was when it really wasnt

[@Natedoc808]

Best video I have found on how to do this. The other guys who have made videos on this need to watch this video and ease their pain a bit! Thanks

[@codywoolverton9228]

I've loved you guys for the mullet mustang and have used plenty of those vids to dive deep on repairs for my 3V. I was ecstatic to see that you guys also have vids on EJ engine Subarus after I just bought a Forester XT a few days ago that needs some work

[@NAEazyhoonn]

Thank you for posting this! Going to do a timing belt kit on a JDM EJ205

[@boundariesunlimited267]

I don’t even own a Subaru, but can’t miss a speed academy video! Can’t wait to see an update on the badass2000!

[@bobbybelcher9097]

good for you and in all honesty never buy one either, they are nothing but problems. cheaply made subaru is just coasting on reputation. its a hill i am willing to die on after owning 3 subarus - never again

[@tougeskyite]

Great video. I really appreciate it when people take the time to walk through and explain how these type of things are done even though I’d still farm out this kind of job.

[@Bobcat9]

Proper video mates, good edits, good camera work, plain and simple with useful tips. A menu of tools at the end would be nice.

[@ChrisUhlik]

Great production quality. One of the best how-to videos I've ever seen.

[@Jeffball610]

An easy thing I like to do when installing timing belts, is to use a small clamp to hold the belt on the cam gears. It's just enough tension to hold the belt from slipping off as you snake the belt onto all of the pulleys so you can use both hands.

[@alanh7045]

This video was perfect. I used a Dayco belt and it also had the timing marks on the belt. Managed to have the belt on in under 10 minutes by myself. Thank-you - Subscribed.

[@iWubmusic]

And than what happened 6 hours later? Lol

[@francop854]

I just did this to my 2010 wrx ej25 ,the video was a great guide. Had a problem, someone put a weaker bolt on my water pump and it broke 🥲... it had a numer 4 on it... the rest of water pump bolts got a 9 stamped, it looks like he grabbed same length and size bolt from the timing cover Just make sure guys you don't mismatch your bolts ! Thanks again for this great video

[@donotunsubscribe]

Nam seems like such a cool dude. Thanks for the excellent breakdown of how to do this guys!

[@imightholla]

Such a great thorough explanation. THANK YOU!

[@tecklenburgvw6450]

Nam is the man; I like how thorough he was on the marks.

[@bonza007]

Thanks for making this really professional level guide.

[@windywindy]

Great tech! knows his stuff!

[@GriefPB]

Nice tips and tricks in this video. Really helped me with my job. Thanks buds!

[@Taranagu]

Did mine today. Thanks for the walk through. Great vid

[@jaupauvau]

Always rotate engine by hand before installing belt covers. Also i recomend vacuum coolant filler tool. Makes life much easier, even in bmw m50 it takes out all the air pockets first try.

[@michaelshroyer2285]

Wow! That tech should start making his own tutorial videos. Great job kid ya kept it simple and quick. I sure hope that they are paying you what your worth if not quit and start making automotive repair videos.

[@chechob0t]

Excelente video tutorial, clarisímo. Excelente guia, buenos tips. GRACIAS!

[@humbertomoro5975]

From Puerto Rico, thanks fully. Your description was excellent.

[@RingZero]

Excellent video, gives enough confidence who want to try it DIY

[@PaulMorris-UK]

Great stuff, very useful. Don't think I'll get around to getting a scooby but still have learnt something.

[@nextdevelopments8833]

That is a really good video! Thanks heaps for the awesome amount of detail!

[@BathSaltBadger]

I love those guys at NV auto, bought some red mud flaps for my Red STi!

[@Alvesr2099]

Great video, please keep some EJ videos coming!

[@MrNickjberry]

This video is greath thanks! More Subaru content please. I will definitely do this myself next time.

[@JohnwillyKamau]

Amazing, Thanks to your video I was able to do my replacement on a 2009 Impreza El15 DOHC engine. Hurray!!

[@TheThumpGaming]

I’ll send you the

[@crossandshoot796]

Wow great video!!! Very well instructed and a lot of good tips and quirks only someone that's worked on these engine for a long time like Nam can tell u

[@883dcp]

Did my 2014 STI last weekend. Your video helped guide me through the entire procedure.

[@justinanderson181]

How long did it take you?

[@fredastaire6156]

Yes, how long?

[@JohnnyWuzzisname]

Love watching the pure Canadian content. I'm going to be doing my 04 XT's belt soon, and figured I should give this a watch. NVAuto was a pleasant treat too. I enjoyed seeing the types of tools Nam was using to complete the job. Electric ratchet > air ratchet.

[@MohamedGhalyPro]

the technician is master 👏🏽 I love how he explain the steps ☺️ full mark this video

[@towninja5771]

So much easier then I expected im bout to buy a 07 2.5 auto impreza wagon I really think it needs a timing belt but i was debating on buying it because of the belt needing replaced but now i see its not as bad as i thought think you for this video much appreciated

[@aricampos3090]

how'd it go

[@denzilhitaua7739]

Well explained video content much appreciated thanks you and you have another Subaru subscriber

[@juanangeles7706]

Good job guy also should put up a list of tools and parts I liked the palm ratchet tool never knew there was such a tool

[@kreparAZ]

Awesome video. More Subaru!

[@boostben]

That was a great video guys, really liked the format

[@Abaddavid420247]

Thank you so much for your videos! Just did the timing belt on my 06 legacy and your video helped me out a lot! Thanks again! Cheers!

[@speedacademy]

Glad we could help!

[@SW-gl9jy]

Hey is your engine an EJ204?

[@summerfox9292]

Woaw, beautiful video, step by step. Thank you 😯

[@darylcross5610]

Thats a perfect video. Thanks for skipping the non relevent in super fast mode and including torque specs and tips inc air bleeding in commentry.

[@TheManCave563]

Cracking on with this tomoz. If I start it at 9am I should be done in time for breakfast at 9.15 👍👍

[@zivec91]

Thank you for this great video, why we dont have that mechanic in Serbia :( Now it will be easy for me when time comes to do this on my 2007 Impreza 2.0R

[@scoobygottabooby]

This video is worth it just for the reminder to mark the belt. I often forget this amazing tip.

[@rolandotillit2867]

Very informative, I learned a lot thanks.

[@mr.lumbergh]

I’ll end up having to do this on a SOHC Forester soon; if you did a how-to on those I’d appreciate a link.

[@danz1910]

very helpful, very clear. Could not ask for better. Thank you

[@yiranjack]

what a fantastic shop as well as the technician!

[@TheForcedinductn]

Great video, I'm not even a Subaru Guy but the detailed install was nice to watch!

[@fangs7630]

This guy is the man made it super simple

[@HitokiriRaiden]

Nice more subaru stuff. You guys think you will do some sort of project with a subaru impreza? Would be cool to see you guys build a track car out of one.

[@dman2004]

Thanks! That tech is super knowledgable. How far do I need to drive to get him to work on my Subi? Thanks!

[@Rob-fx2dw]

I liked the video and it was very good information. The only thing I would be hesitant to a do is out coper anti seize on those bolts since copper and aluminium are enemies because of the electrolysis between copper and aluminium and the aluminium is likely to get eaten out if there is any moisture at all present.

[@aconfusedazn]

Please do more Subaru stuff!

[@MRJULY83]

100% profesional tech. Great job

[@powwying]

Tech did a great job of explains the steps

[@davidshock3541]

loved this video , helped me out a ton

[@hiroveldemont5013]

Thank you for your polite explanation! I will try to replace the timing belt tomorrow!

[@bobbybelcher9097]

how did it go?

[@hiroveldemont5013]

@@bobbybelcher9097 I was able to exchange it!

[@SkylineHD1]

Wow im french and immediately i understand your work. Great video thanks you ,i have a question, for timing belt? Its same for impreza gt turbo ?? Thanks you

[@kevinpunya]

I'm sold! i'm going to ship my car over from Malaysia now haha... Awesome and super detailed goodness!

[@flyboygangmejia5236]

Good explanation guys keep up the good work

[@JDM_DAISUKI]

I agree so informative makes it seem so achievable !!! Would have taken a minute to film / edit it THANKS!!!

[@DavidS11]

I've never done a subaru timing belt, but I've done on normal inline engines and before putting all the covers I rotate the crankshaft twice just to double check the marks again and in case there was some slack that I didn't notice

[@danh1532]

Nice video dude! Very well done and accurate to a T. 😎

[@pdm3kw1]

Most videos I have seen the tech doesn't break the bolt by hand and then use the impact ..this tech did... also nice to see a quality digital torque wrench being used... great job... did the car have issues with the timing being off a tooth?

[@andrewboulos2775]

Great video! Would the car not be able to start with the timing off one tooth the way it was before you replaced the timing belt?

[@sebsshenanigans]

as a rexy owner.... I will most definitely be saving this one in the repairs playlist for future reference :') pretty sure the belt is due very soon...

[@LuxKeiwoker]

Cool stuff guys - this will come definitely in handy!

[@robertjackson7590]

Great video, simple. How many of those Gates Kevlar belts have you guys used and any complaints/failures? Do they stretch like the marks that were off with the old belt?

[@andrewlamoureaux4382]

solid video, what i needed to see to do it.

[@steviemurdoch3213]

Very explanatory good work lads

[@dmaxm2498]

These guys did a great job on this video. The one thing I never understood though is why mechanics never clean the parts when they put them back together. When people buy a brand new part and spent hundreds of dollars they want their car to look like they got a brand new part on it and everything looking clean shiny and new. I can’t stand it when they take things apart and then put them back together dirty and sometimes even dirtier then the engine was before it came into the shop. Clean the parts before you re-install everything so that the customer can tell and appreciate your work and the nice new part shows off!

[@speedacademy]

Because no one ever pays a mechanic to clean parts! Customers already complain about high prices can you imagine tacking on 1-2 hours onto a job for cleaning...

[@Khg72]

I agree with Dmax, if the timingbelt covers are dirty, dirt can cause more problems on the road with new parts. It's true that cleaning parts is time consuming but if you want treat your customers good they will come back with more for you.

[@veteranheavyequipmechanic4990]

It's all under the cover you'll never see it anyway. If you want it clean pay me for it. Flat rate doesn't

[@Dubchefs]

The sound of those cams spinning will forever haunt my nightmares.

[@John-gj9db]

Great video thanks. So I’m guessing don’t use any loctite on the idler pulleys? What is the torque for the crank pulley bolt please? Thank you.

[@VinnyMartello]

Thanks for the videos guys. It’s funny, the more my wife learns about her Subaru, the more open she is open to owning something with a small block Chevy haha.

[@Daz024]

Nam is a legend !!! #BossTech