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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[@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?

[@stevethedonful]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@The_DrivingAddict]

Had I paid attention at 5:45 - 5:50, my engine would have been in three pieces last night. Also like the trick of filling the expansion tank to fill the radiator - never thought of doing that. Great video.

[@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

[@abtranquillo4370]

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

[@BeeeHonest]

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

[@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. 🤙

[@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

[@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.

[@Ghost.uppercut]

And than what happened 6 hours later? Lol

[@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

[@kevinbowers3917]

Best video ever. I'm a factory trained BMW tech, independent shop, own a single cam head Subaru, it is the same except easier. Thank you for adding to my breadbasket of skills. Awesome tech, he could be a factory trainer.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

Kevin Bowers Yep. Smart BMW owners don't drive the moneypits that provide their income. They find solid, simple economy rigs.

[@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

[@michealortiz3350]

Hands down the best video on youtube for subaru timing belt replacement

[@KuraiKumoStudio777]

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

[@tecklenburgvw6450]

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

[@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.

[@ainokea808kine]

This video wasnt out when I did my timing belt... wish it was bcuz it was so much more informative then the forum I was using... they made it look so easy... this job took me 2 days to complete with alot of blood sweat and tears... no lie... it absolutely sucked doing this job and this video makes me realize the forum was wronge in the procedure... lol

[@BillGetsItDunn]

Jesus lol what did they have you do?

[@scoobygottabooby]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@thespammerhammer]

Now that ladies and gentlemen is a Trained Professional. Turning the engine 720 degrees ensures the job has gone according to plan and as for the coolant, I use a Radiator Vacuum Tool. No air locks and much faster to evacuate the air from the cooling system. Very well done.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@arc9696]

Posted 6 years ago, but its still my go to video for timing belt replacement guide! 👌

[@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.

[@ayne222]

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

[@joshuas10]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@TheManCave563]

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

[@bonza007]

Thanks for making this really professional level guide.

[@ramonangelotorres5099]

When aligning the driver side timing gears … does it mater which direction we turn the gears to align the markings?

[@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

[@wyatthurts1729]

Those spring clamps are a good hack to hold the belt in correct place on the camshaft pulleys prior to installing the the tensioner 😊

[@fightingfalconfan]

99% of this is spot on. Only things I do differently is I don't really torque the idlers down (never had a problem with it) and I always rotate engine a few times to make sure my crank/cam sprockets line up again. If it's a manual I will pull tensioner pin and start the engine. If it's auto I will do at cooler lines to rad pull pin and then start it. It's just bad juju to me if I don't start the engine with cover off. It's just how I KNOW the engine won't grenade it's self.

[@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.

[@aconfusedazn]

Please do more Subaru stuff!

[@kevinpunya]

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

[@rodwinmartinez304]

Hey I have a 2008 Subaru Impreza wrx the engine is a JE25 and I put a new engine the is JE20 everything it’s almost the same but is only crack but doesn’t start I have to change the timing belt or what I can do I’ll need help😭

[@Dubchefs]

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

[@BramBiesiekierski]

3:30 - The crank pully has threaded holes in it which you use to attach a special tool to. This allows you to hold the pully (and crankshaft) stationary while you loosen the front crankshaft bolt. The holes are clearly visible in the pully while they describe the backyard bodgers way of doing it without the correct tools.

[@travissmith4102]

You really don't need to use the tool. there's more than one way to skin a cat. if you want to make or purchase a tool to use once in a while go right ahead. there is nothing wrong with that method.

[@ChrisUhlik]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@rileymannion5301]

I did this job and this video helped alot, however I found a tool from a place called company 23 that will hold your drivers side cams in place while you do the job, really saved some time and helped me not be so nervous about doing this job

[@SW-gl9jy]

Riley, is yours a turbo model engine? I tried calling Company 23 and they said their tools only fit turbo models

[@rileymannion5301]

@@SW-gl9jy yes its the dohc ej205 from 2002

[@eggpod4567]

I feel like replacing the oil pump is a must while in there too. That's just me though. Lol. That's what I want to do when I get in there. My car has 230,000 miles on it now. Last time the head gaskets got changed was around 150,000 miles with the old owner. I'd like to re do all the seals and other gaskets while I'm in there as well. I'm a bit nervous cause this will be my first time ever even removing the engine from this car or any car. All my 'mechanic skills' comes from all the other jobs I've done with this car. Videos like this help a lot. I'm spamming my brain with videos like this. I'm not doing the job either for a couple of months. Gotta get all the parts together first. Videos like this help a lot. Thanks! Hopefully I can get to your level of expertise eventually, lol. Hopefully I don't fuck my car up either. 🤣🤣

[@samuelbose1493]

Recently figured out that to hold the harmonic balancer/crank pulley while you crack loose the bolt, you can use the old belt. Basically fold it over itself and loop the other end over an extension that’s braced up top. It’ll hold it good enough to pop that bolt loose. It slipped a little bit, BUT if you got a cheater bar on there and use quick jolts of force it’ll break loose no prob! They also make a special tool to hold the pulley so if you do this a lot maybe that would be your most professional option.

[@AutoExpectations]

What a good video. Doing this on my 18 sti, and the two screw driver trick I'm going to have to use cause I was having a pain in the ass with it

[@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.

[@humbertomoro5975]

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

[@margotconrad9843]

very good! Thanks to you net guys for helping us older shade tree guys on these newer vehicles!! Short vid for lots of info!! Vlad

[@speedacademy]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@fangs7630]

This guy is the man made it super simple

[@knottym00se]

Made it look so easy, now I want to buy a subaru and change the timing belt!

[@TruckinTrent]

I was getting very frustrated with my timing belt until I saw this video. Thanks a bunch. The only thing I would like to know is what to torque the crankshaft pully bolt to?

[@nickngaopraseut6717]

Thanks to everyone, Mainly the Asian brother for making this job very simple to do!

[@TheForcedinductn]

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

[@windywindy]

Great tech! knows his stuff!

[@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.

[@bunaziulica5776]

I'm surprized to see that there were no timing belt guides. I really wanted to see how those are installed back (spacing and stuff). Also, there was no mention of the air bleeding of the timing belt tensioner. I saw that on a different video. This makes me question the necessity of doing that. Does it need air bleeding or not? Lastly, is it a good idea to wear fresh gloves when installing the new belt so as to not potentially expose the rubber on the belt to any grease? Just wondering.

[@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.

[@PaulMorris-UK]

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

[@MohamedGhalyPro]

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

[@iiHazmat]

i thought the driversides cams the bottom you should only turn left and the top you only turn right... or was this ok because they didnt spin?

[@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.

[@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.

[@Daz024]

Nam is a legend !!! #BossTech

[@Taranagu]

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

[@scotttruax8975]

Awesome video. I think I will take this job on my self considering how detailed it was. Is that gates belt easily accessible in the aftermarket world?

[@greggf.1393]

This looks so much easier with the correct tools.

[@ivtec4fun55]

Also make sure your heater is on full HOT so you don't get air bubbles while burping the cooling system at the end.

[@DenverDeCoY]

At 5:49 he removes an idler and you can see the driver's side cam gear spin rapidly from the existing valve spring tension. I have read this can cause valve damage letting them spin freely like that. Is there any truth to that? I am getting ready to do this job and really don't want to risk damaging my engine, thanks.

[@hitune]

What an educated guy

[@homeimprovementsubaruguy2556]

Great instructional but I can’t believe you didn’t turn the motor over by hand at least a couple times to be certain the cams lined back up and tooth counts stay the same. Maybe it’s just me but I always do that. I can rest easier knowing their wasn’t some strange slack in the belt that threw things off before cranking it up.

[@nathangwyn3536]

I am wanting to change my timing myself because $1400 is out of my price range. This video to me is the most informational video I have seen. What is the difficulty level of this procedure?

[@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?

[@joselitogiron4988]

I have a 2014 wrx hatchback, before i start moving and lining the crank should i put the shift gears to neutral?... or no?

[@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!

[@danz1910]

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

[@nickwinters3657]

Hi would recommend useing lock tite on the bolts?

[@arturo762]

Damn, did you see that at 15:07, the plug for that funnel went were that guy wanted it to go without even looking. What a beast!!!

[@brwi1]

You can use a clamp to hold the two drivers side cam gears together, makes the job a little easier and saves you the worry of screwing something up

[@vijayanchomatil8413]

Not in this case, he had to align them because they fell out of alignment.

[@benjaminrhodes9611]

GREAT VIDEO! Please do the SOHC belt and head gaskets. They all leak. The struggle is real.

[@davidclark5138]

Can you provide a sohc kit name brand ,, that is not sub. Or gates please, This is a great video series. Thanks for doinv. From great shop, And great techs.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

David Clark 5 star?

[@gregorytimmons4777]

Benjamin Rhodes Search out the best brand of stop leak and screw that piece of crap and Subaru. That's their advise on cars under warranty. In order to limp em past warranty experation so Subaru can tell you...oooh Shit man! Sorry sir. Warranty is up. Looks like that will be at least $1,500. Yep. $1,500 every 100,000 miles for the rest of your Subaru ownership experience.

[@veteranheavyequipmechanic4990]

I've done this on my own cars before, the oil leak isn't pressurized oil just return to the pan from the heads. Drain the oil, clean the bottom of the head with brake clean let dry for an hour or so, make sure residual oil isn't leaking in which case clean again. If it's dry smear a nice thick bead of engine sealer along the bottom side of the head/block seam. Use your finger to smooth it out. Let it dry for 24 hours, fill with oil. I've stopped or at least slowed down some bad ones with good results

[@veteranheavyequipmechanic4990]

@@davidclark5138 if you're doing a 2.5L go with 2010 Legacy headgaskets, I only use Subaru never aftermarket. The 2010 used a 2 shim steel gasket instead of the synthetic gasket, I never saw one leak oil, I use them in all the jobs I do from home

[@jfv65]

whenever you fill a cooling system it is always a good idea to put the heater on HOT. That way there is circulation through the heater circuit as well and that mighthelp get rid of air pockets as well.

[@NueKaede]

jfv65 there's no valve for the heater on Subaru's it's always flowing.

[@kmariana007]

No hot water valve. But the heat is a good idea cause if the heat is strong you no there is no air pocket and the pump is circulating the coolant properly and not having cavitation

[@precariousbyte]

Does that apply to older models? Pretty sure my 98 forester isn't that fancy

[@veteranheavyequipmechanic4990]

Ejs have very little issues with locking air in the system. I would usually have heat in a few minutes. If there wasn't heat in about 30 minutes shut the car off fir 15 minutes top off the radiator, they always seem to suck the air bubble through while cooling, that was primarily on the 10 and 11 Legacy and Outback with the bastard Ej.