How to Change a Subaru Timing Belt

This is a how-to walkthrough for changing the timing belt on a Subaru EJ255 engine. This is likely the same process for all dual overhead cam Subaru's but the cars that have this specific engine are:
Impreza (WRX): 2006-2013
Forester XT: 2004-2013
Legacy GT: 2005-2012
Outback XT: 2005-2009
Baja XT: 2004 - 2006
SAAB 9-2X: 2006 only

[@Chevytech1977]

as a former Subaru tech you did forget to show after the belt was installed to show pulling the pin from the tensioner and rotating the engine two revolutions. this not only sets the tensioner to the proper tension on the belt but you also verify that your timing is dead on! I've had a few that one can was off a tooth! other than that great video!

[@GearsandGasoline]

+Chris Michaud Yes, i apologize for not showing that step. I should have an annotation there to state that. Forgetting to pull the pin on the tensioner could certainly be a disaster!

[@Chevytech1977]

Haha! Np! I've just done a few and have seen ppl forget that step! Lol

[@Jayeeyee]

+Gears and Gasoline Pull the grenade pin! :D

[@RayTahana]

lads need advice, I put thermo\waterpump in non more over but while idling I have to keep accelerating to idle or it cuts out any ideas Falla's thanks. love the subi

[@jordanp6420]

Chris Michaud please help; I removed the timing belt inspection cover as I recently purchased my Subaru and I’m very conscious of the importance of the timing belt. When I inspected the belt it seems loose in my opinion, I don’t know if this amount of tension is normal or whether something is wrong and the tensioner pulley is failing? Please, what is the amount of tension flex required on the timing belt? (In mm?) Mine flexes at least 5-10 mm maybe slightly more but it’s definetly below 15mm of flex

[@martiniindustries]

FYI, you can leave the fans attached to the radiator, and pull the whole thing as an assembly. Might save some time, and less risk of snapping bolts, plastic, etc.

[@TheHawk425]

i broke some plastic... wish i knew this... oh well

[@weirdyoda04]

I wasn't sure the point of taking the fans off, guess it was an oversight or maybe I'm missing something.

[@BranCrackah239]

Best Subie timing belt video I've seen yet!!! Thanks man!!!!

[@Bolts2021]

Are you blind??

[@Snekutaren]

Best and most clear and through video I've seen so far. Makes my comfortable going out and doing this operation for the first time right now. Thank you friend.

[@21NSapper]

Very good tutorial. LOL about the hand washing part. But that was a great vid. It's also nice to hear someone who speaks clearly. Thumbs up!

[@GORT70]

very well done. the narration was superb and who ever did the work has definitely held a wrench more than once.

[@oppanheimer]

Thank you so much for showing us how to do this, especially the tips you provided.Good on you.

[@otochiqovani2889]

Very helpful. I did it myself after watching this video. Thanks

[@GodOfKAPOW]

Probably the best video on this! thanks a lot!

[@rivernet62]

Really great video, thanks a lot. I just finished, did the plugs at the same time using the lifted-engine strategy, and all went well. My experience with the cams slipping out of position might help someone... in a nutshell, I’d say don’t worry too much about it. The passenger side cams are loose and can be turned by hand. The drivers side are under tension, and despite trying the bolt trick and using a clamp, they did go out of position by about 1/2 a tooth. There is a large cap bolt on the lower cam wheel that can be used to nudge those two back into position. With all that it’s pretty easy to align the marks on the belt with the marks on the cam wheels.

[@MichaBazejDuda]

Extremely detailed video. Thank you for that one.

[@BTenz]

Awesome video very informative , I'm about to do this to my 05 LGT ... I'll be using this as a reference. Keep up the great content

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

Good video I've got to replace a timing belt on subaru legacy and your video was very informative thanks.

[@Tpwish42]

Thanks for putting together such a great tutorial!

[@208b58]

Thanks mate, very clear and easy to follow

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

I'm going to replace the belt on an 04 your video was very helpful and I'll do what the tech said amd rotate it through 2 revs thanks.

[@Khg72]

This video get a 7 out of 10. No torque specs mentioned for timingbolts pulleys & crank bolt. No pin removed from timing tensioner and double check the rotation first before removing this pin. But overall good speech and video recording. Keep it up!

[@thecarchannel2896]

Great info!! I'm about to diy mine also on my 2004 wrx.

[@JammyCrackcorn]

Nice video...especially the bolts keeping the cams from moving.....I was also told by my Subie Tech that the thermostat goes in a certain way with some part of it at the top??..

[@nelo01]

wow! I'm at my major service interval and need to do this. seems like such a huge job which I don't think I'm confident in doing. fantastic in depth video though!

[@joshytchannel96]

This was very informative, thank you. I have only done timing belt on a Dodge Neon before and to be honest Subaru looks easier which is good because my Liberty b4 is due for one. This video will definitely be my reference.

[@mbritton1984]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@craig8727]

Excellent video, very helpful

[@mgulbar1]

nice video man,feel more confident in doing the job now 👍

[@andreitrom72]

Awesome job. Congrats!!

[@TheNecro1015]

Great video sir!!!!! Well done.

[@corneleousworthington4566]

Great video!! Thank you!!! That was a nice timing belt kit- came with all the pulleys and new tensioner! Who sells that kit? Looks like the one to get.. Getting the water pump and thermostat while you're in there seems very wise too. And you replaced your alternator- that's quite a service! That B-Spec got some good love!!!

[@PiotrTester]

interesting video enriching - tests and opinions

[@Gricebros]

Nice! Will be doing mine soon!

[@justasmarkevicius2568]

Great video !

[@nathanacuna]

Great Video!

[@teksimian]

incredible video. thanks, great camera work, everything was super clear. few things i would add 1 -> using the bolts to lock the cams resulted in me losing a bolt behind one of the bottom sprockets. i had to fish it out. 2 -> i didnt anticipate how much force the drivers side sprocket would want to move with, i anticipated it to be very light. I used the vice grips VERY lightly just to hold it in place but this resulted in it moving. I would recommend adding a contingency for how to realign if it does move. I used an allen key socket to rotate them back into place. 3 -> is it possible and easier to transfer the rubber coolant inlet hose to the new pump BEFORE installing the new pump? Again, incredible video, thanks for your hard work documenting the process, i probably wouldnt've attempted it otherwise

[@nakedonadrenaline]

Great video

[@davidstembridge1262]

Great tutorial, I just transcribed it, to follow outside! Which kit from Rockauto is this?

[@Succuub]

Great video. Is replacement for Forester 2.0XT 2003 year going to be similar?

[@AlternativeOps]

Best tutorial i've seen

[@Jay-de8pe]

Hi mate, great video. Just a question, at 21:44 you said to hand tighten the lower idler, and even the last idler. I assume you would have had to torque them properly? If so, what was the torque spec? Thanks.

[@craigmoore9442]

Like your use of a bolt and nut to lock cams but..questions..how do you tighten the bolt, doesn't look like there is room to get a wrench in there to snug up or is there room. Also, doesn't the bolt interfer with removing the timing belt? THX

[@maxwellmccomb8603]

Had the same problem removing that clamp on the lower radiator hose on my '08 outback. Total nightmare, just replaced it with the easier ones that you tighten on

[@1luckytexan605]

nice! Any idea what the torque values are for the idlers, crank bolt and the tensioner mount bolt?

[@Flat_3_6]

Was this the gates kit?? Im way over due for the tbelt. Ill being using your video when i do it.

[@THETHINKINGMINDS]

Hi, there. Thanks for posting this video. I just replaced timing belt in 2008 Subaru Legacy and engine won't turn. Any suggestios.Thanks.

[@EDDIEGARAGE]

great job thanks

[@VerticalNineMusic]

Will this video apply to the ej257 2011 STi engine too? I'm looking to do my own.

[@braedenvarao792]

Nice video. I would only ad to turn the engine over by hand a couple times before installing the cover to make sure everything is lined up.

[@ashtonyoung6570]

Braeden Varao I need help with that part

[@taylordunker4376]

@@ashtonyoung6570 just turn it by hand a few times bruh

[@bernyshomstein4191]

Looks easy enough. Problem is finding a place around the condo where I can do this.

[@Cruz0604]

What size is the bolt you fit between the cam puulleys

[@evanmavros1942]

20:45 u put that red spacer between the crank and the timing belt .. do you NEED to do this ? And does it come with the kit? I ordered OEM kit from eBay and don’t think it comes with it . Oh and should I buy the timing belt guide ? Great video btw hope You will answer

[@donschlegel1972]

Excellent

[@YumpyTrain]

Is there a difference in taking off the radiator cap and the coolant reservoir cap?

[@MrFearless84]

Actually my 04 2.0 liter GDB Impreza WRX sti looks exactly the same as yours does when you take off the cam covers. Pump looks the same too with the 3 pipes sticking out of it. Cam wheels look the same. So basically you can add 2000-2005 2.0 liter to being the same. I wouldn't use your method of keeping the driver side cams from moving tho, because the washers make a mark on the wheels. Maybe could try your method with plastic or rubberized washers, that could work perfectly. Other than that its a good video (quality too) to describe the timing belt replacement.

[@htxdea]

Looking at the rockauto site, can you post the kit that you ordered the number?

[@Neventual]

Saw the whole thing. Felt intimidated after 40 Seconds.

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

I’m doing the same job but my driver side camshafts don’t line up and their off by 180o. I try to aline the driver side top and bottom camshafts but I feel resistance. How can I remedy or fix this situation thanks

[@cristiancastillo5523]

Is this procedure suitable for the 2010 Impreza wlth ej20 DOHC

[@TheRhino40]

how did you get that crank pulley bolt off at the end?

[@KSoBlazen777]

on a 1997 subaru outback do you need the timing covers?

[@ryanpalmer1367]

My timing belt cover got a hole in it, I was just wondering if removing that pulley and cover, will it mess with the timing chains at all? I don’t want to have to mess with the timing chains if I don’t have to. Please get back to me! I appreciate it

[@paulpietschinski3282]

What size are th3 bolts holding the timing belt cover

[@nganson4565]

I learn a trick that you can just unscrew the fan instead of taking out the radiator out. Not sure it will work on EJ25 DOHC but I works on EJ22 SOHC and it gave enough space for me to change the belt

[@ronaldmontreal]

Can you bend a valve by having it out of time and rotating cams with a ratchet 360 degrees?

[@blink182love96]

love your video!!!!! can you make a video on how to change a timing belt for a 02 subaru wrx?? please!!!! Eneryblue

[@GearsandGasoline]

競騎士_182 Unfortunately I can only work on the cars that I have access to here, and that car is not one of them at this time. I'll be posting more how-to's the more that I need to.

[@blink182love96]

ohh I see :( thanx for respond my comment!!!! still I'm gonna love your videos

[@hatethetube46]

Excellent video, you've inspired me to do my own timing belt on my Subaru. Just a couple nit-picks to help. What you call "hex bolts" ( 9:50 ) are actually "socket head cap screws." Yes, it's confusing that an Allen hex key is used with a socket head screw and that a socket wrench is used with a hex bolt. Also, you call bolts by the size of their hex head rather than by the major diameter of the threads. For example, a bolt with a 10mm hex head often has 6mm diameter threads. This bolt will be referred to as M6-1(pitch) x 25 (length of bolt in mm) Just a couple tips to help set you apart from the rest. Keep up the good work!

[@jhgeorg]

Great video. Thanks. But what's the torque for the crank shaft pulley bolt? Is good and tight OK?

[@GreenPeasProductions]

wondering this as well!

[@d-s-ll2378]

works better than masters👍

[@bobkin611]

9.75 Foot-Pound (ft∙lb) =117 in/lbs

[@nicholasperna1072]

bobkin611 thank you

[@WahooNo2]

When removing the drive belts, you should loosen both sides of the alternator, that way you are not whacking the tension bolt with a hammer

[@chaleboy60]

Only question did you pull the pin lol was waiting for that

[@C00LWhip]

hi great video! very clear and understandable. where did you buy the timing belt kit from was it from Subaru or somewhere else online? thanks

[@GearsandGasoline]

+Travis Saether rockauto :)

[@davidstembridge1262]

Whats the torc on the cams?

[@the_onetwo]

Does anyone happen to know the part number for the intake cover plastic screws?

[@jackyl8259]

The EJ255 engine is in my 06 impreza wrx sedan

[@keronluke4009]

what if the top cams had shifted how to set them because of that play from left right

[@danisordo1275]

Nice video, thanks for sharing!!! ;)

[@jordancraighead]

great tutorial. where'd you get you timing belt kit??

[@GearsandGasoline]

Rockauto. great deals there!

[@1luckytexan605]

snapped my L-U cam loose trying to get the last mark lined up. What's under that cover that looks like it is held on with 3 screws? If I take that off, is there a bolt or TORX socket I can put a tool on to rotate that cam back? Or, is a bunch of springs, oil or ball bearings gonna jump outta there?

[@GearsandGasoline]

Not sure what you mean my L-U cam, but if any of the cams knock loose. only turn it clockwise (the rotation of the engine). It looks like it's been a week since you're comment so I m sure youve got it fixed now.. Under that cover there's likely oil for actuating the variable cam. I think there's a bolt you can use to turn it under there as well, but I wouldn't risk it. I have turned mine before by using the 3 screws that hold the cover on. I actually took a huge adjustable wrench to it and was able to turn it from the three screws, similar to how you can turn a wheel with just the lugs sticking out and a pry bar. (hard to explain over a comment)

[@1luckytexan605]

Eneryblue Thanx for replying. It was my left intake cam that flipped. I cut a section from my old belt and used it like a toothed strap wrench - with some vice grips - to rotate it back in position. thanx!

[@INSIGNIAxMINECRAFT]

Hopefully I can get a reply by tomorrow (Friday) but I'm doing my timing belt and my cams are perfectly in time but the crankshaft is off by one tooth. I bought the car a year ago and It's been running fine no sign of power loss. What should I do, should I roll crankshaft over twice with the timing belt off and line it up or should I leave it the way it is because of it running fine with no problems?

[@zaidhadad8923]

N.E.G Co-op I hope you someone answered your question.

[@chrisnavarro7672]

Why does everyone always forget to mention the Outback XT😂

[@MushuPuma]

Or the Baja Turbo!

[@deividaskosteckis726]

Hi, today we were removing timing belt on subaru forester xt 2006 and the upper cam rotated about 180 degrees. Is it very bad, or we will just need to put in its place before installing timing belt?

[@evanchi9460]

+deividas kosteckis What ended up happening? That sounds disastrous, as it likely pushed the valves into the piston if it happened to be top dead center. Not sure if you can simply rotate it back into position and pretend nothing happened?

[@deividaskosteckis726]

+Evanchi everything ended fine, it just took us 8 times to put belt and remove it until all marks were in their possitions, because when u was increasing tension on belt, marks were changing their possitions for 1-2 tooth. Now car runs good but there is strange noise inside car when engine is at working temperatur at 700-800 rpm on idle. No sounds outside or under the hood, just inside.

[@robertbean2445]

how can you see if your timing belt is loose

[@RayTahana]

GaG, i forgot to lock cams together and moved them and i try aligning them but they keep spinning a quarter more of a turn any i can do i got the rights side DOHC aligned but the left keeps spinning when I've almost aligned the the top cam then the bottom Thanks

[@GearsandGasoline]

+Ray Tahana That's because the cam that is spinning is likely a variable cam, which means it will spin about a quarter of a turn without actually moving the cam itself. I would recommend hopping on the forum (legacygt or nasioc) and following the instructions there to get your cams back aligned.

[@RayTahana]

+Gears and Gasoline Thanks mate, thanks very much for te link

[@Theclassicjoystick]

What if I have automatic transmission?

[@bmwmsport11]

Lmao I've got a 08 WRX same exact engine and I was thinking it's time for a timing belt change, but this looks too complex and it doesn't really have tons of miles on it either. Don't feel like messing with something that is perfectly fine. it's 7 years old with 61,000 miles. Do you think it's time to change the belt? I know Subaru calls for the change at 105,000 miles, but is there a time frame attached to the belt? I did the math and it comes to 14 years, based off of oil changes at 3,750 miles/6 months and the belt service at 105,000 miles/168 months. Does that seem about right?

[@ConTheDon187]

+bmwmsport11 Yeah, unless you're having issues with the timing belt, you're probably good for another 40k

[@ConTheDon187]

Well, I suggest changing it. The idler pulleys, and idler tensioner's bearings can go out and lead to the timing belt slipping and if your motor is a DOHC (Dual Over Head Cam) it's an interference motor which means your valves will slap the pistons and ruin your heads. A;sp the water pump is known for failing at 120k so it's all around a good idea to get it done or do it. Just had this happen to my friends car but it wasn't DOHC so the heads are fine, and my other friends car we had a friend do his timing belt and he did it wrong and bent the valves, so I suggest if you do do it yourself, to be ready to buy tools, do some research, and also risk doing it wrong and damaging your motor/heads. Sorry for the miniature novel, but if you have any questions I'd be willing to answer them.

[@movinglikeamovie3426]

Pretty sure the service manual states to use permatex gasket sealant on the metal water pump gasket.

[@GearsandGasoline]

***** From what I have read that is for the paper water gaskets and not the metal water gaskets. I've also heard the paper gaskets are prone to leaking which is why I used the metal gasket.

[@movinglikeamovie3426]

Eneryblue Yea, DEFINITELY use the OEM metal gasket, no question. I just did my wifes SOHC timing belt/WP and used some black permatex, per the Haynes engine manual. Good to know, thanks!

[@stocks4bt]

how do you know how when to stop tightening the bolt on the tensioner when i put the front serpentine belt back onThe video portion at 6:28-7:00. Hey people here is the subaru cam holder I found it on amazon www.amazon.com/Subaru-Camlock-turbo-engines-C23-506/dp/B009ZDUF7G

[@anthonyguzman48]

help I didnt lock the right side and its freaked hard to hold them in place

[@Agnostic.JohnOG]

What model impact is that? Seems to make short work of it?

[@GearsandGasoline]

+John Hagemeyer It's a real cheap impact from Harbor Freight but it's nice to have around!

[@davidstembridge1262]

FYI, I have the same torc wrench. 117 in-lb = 9.75 ft-lb via extraconversion.com/energy/foot-pounds

[@GORT70]

did I see non-impact sockets on an impact wrench?

[@PS3isAwesomeeee]

Shhhhhh

[@bogeyrogey7350]

Where did you order the complete timing belt kit

[@GearsandGasoline]

rockauto

[@HemiLyfestyle]

Great website, i order alot of parts from them

[@davidstembridge1262]

What brand did you use? I ordered a Gates kit via Amazon. Was the same price and part # as rockauto; but faster shipping. Doesn't appear to have red shim...

[@OggaDugga]

Ordering mine this week because my car threw codes for P0018 and P0016 and the exhaust cam gear on passenger side is one notch out of alignment. I recommend the Aisin kit from rockauto.

[@dspigulis6858]

.. doesn't show you pulling the tensioner pin.. i swear it looks like you put the covers back on with it still in..

[@Anthony1337]

Daniel Spigulis it looks like he doesn't pull the pin but if you go back and look he does.

[@Bolts2021]

This guy must have blown the engine straight on first start as he forgot to pull the tensioner pin and rechecking the the engine turning freely.

[@gm8nava]

how come you only locked up the right side cams?

[@anthonyguzman48]

for the reason I'm stuck on mine they spin really fast at the point the white line meets the notch to line them up

[@iWubmusic]

so the job kinda sucks haha. Damn. I'm too old to be doing this stuff anymore haha. How much does it cost for Suburu to do it on a 2012 WRX? I am only at 44k miles but I plan on doing this at like 90 or what ever the interval is. (From my 17 years of car knowledge)

[@Anthony1337]

A tatious probably about $700-$1000.

[@iWubmusic]

fuckkk lol. Well I got a little while. Is it 100k for our cars? I am at 45k right now :scared face

[@Anthony1337]

A tatious 105k interval.

[@RayTahana]

Bros wht do i do as my cams are out of whack

[@matthewjahnke831]

How much time from start to finish?

[@GearsandGasoline]

+Matthew Jahnke You could do it in a few hours. I spent a while since i was recording at the same time.

[@craigmoore9442]

on second view, I can see that the belt can be lifted but still don't see how to tighten......

[@gomezlgt5507]

what if u have an auto trans?

[@WahooNo2]

Steps are similar. But if you mean how do you hold the engine to remove the crank pulley, there is a tool you can buy/make to hold it. Like this from company 23. www.company23.com/products/subarutools/503v2 Or grimspeed www.rallysportdirect.com/part/tools/grm-095011-grimmspeed-gs-oem-subaru-crank-pulley-removal-installation-tool

[@MtnXfreeride]

wow, dont feel bad paying the dealership for this now.

[@jerrylee3887]

u didn't pull the pin?

[@GearsandGasoline]

+Jerry Ly There should be an annotation for that, i forgot to show that step, but i did pull the pin.

[@jerrylee3887]

+Gears and Gasoline Can you take the radiator out with the fans attached?

[@williamryan7403]

Why not just slide the radiator out with the fans attached? why waste time.