How To: Subaru Impreza Gates Timing Belt Kit (SOHC)

[@larryhurst8958]

Everyone blows by the last pulley install, whether it is the tensioner or an idler. I have done these belts multiple ways, including leaving the bottom idler off(with the flange) or like you did with installing the tensioner last. The tensioner will not just drop into place and it is very easy to cross thread that bolt while pushing down on the tensioner and turning the bolt. Our shop has bought a couple tensioner plates due to cross threading the bolt. Most of the YT installs leave the idler off, or install the idler and tensioner, and the next picture you see is the belt is magically on and in time. If you leave the tensioner on and leave the bottom idler off, and try and make the belt go around the water pump and the toothed idler, you need the finger strength of Samson. It is no picnic. Sometimes I am lucky sometimes not so lucky. A 2-minute install ends up being 30 minutes of frustration and sore thumbs. I have not seen one video that actually shows the complete belt install,(not the disassembly stuff) everybody skips the last pulley install. And magically the belt is on. I remove the fans and radiator, especially on automatics, and hold the crank pulley with a chain wrench. That bolt has a torque of 80ft.lbs. but if the motor las been out guys will hit that bolt with a 500-pound impact. So without flywheel lock on an automatic, hitting the end of a ratchet with a hammer will not work. I do use thread locker(blue) on the 14mm bolts and torque 28-30Ft Lbs. Remember the bolt threads into an alloy engine, so torque and lock tight. I have not tried rolling the left cam back a couple teeth and then install the tensioner then line marks on cam gear back up, that may work.

[@carlosdavila5280]

I actually don't have a sohc but this video is great and entertaining. The more you know! Lol

[@rallysportdirect]

Thanks!

[@Ledface117]

Did this about 2 months ago on my ej251 sohc. Great product

[@sob3ygrime]

thanks rally sport, you guys are awesome!

[@rallysportdirect]

Thank you!

[@alanfiebelkorn783]

How about bleeding the tensioner

[@rallysportdirect]

I should have mentioned it, but its always something I just do and don't really think about it, but I let the tensioner sit upright for awhile before the install, and then once I pull the pin I make sure it puts tension on the belt. Once I confirm that, I call it good to go and start buttoning up the covers. I really should do another one of these, updated, and with just the tech info and process. This was a rushed job due to me actually needing to get home that night(this was and still is my daily) so I was not as thorough as I normally would be. Seriously good call out though :) Thanks, Rick

[@01FozzyS]

Awesome vid. I guess you really don't have to move the motor. Perfect for my EJ25. Thanks!

[@BlakesGarage]

Don't wait on this. Your motor will thank you.

[@SakuraMunsta2]

Do you guys have a how to replace the front crankshaft seal and both camshaft seals since most of our SOHC motors front and back seals leak. You should also make a video on the complete guide on how to change timing belt with water pump procedure for us SOHC guys. I mean when you guys get the opportunity to work on a SOHC again.

[@rallysportdirect]

We don't have a video out at the moment, but I will do one next time we replace seals on an engine. Honestly it's pretty easy, the hardest part is getting the old seals out without scratching the soft aluminum. I usually use a flat head screwdriver and pick that are protected with a hard rubber and pry the old seals out. with the new seals, make sure to put them in as evenly as possible if you don't have the proper punch tool. just tap around the edges and take your time. I'll try to do a video though as it's much easier to explain that way LOL. Thanks, Rick

[@Mpompi315.]

How did you get the crankshaft bolt out at the very end? Switched scenes and the bolt was gone

[@rallysportdirect]

To break the bolt free I I recommend putting the car in 5th gear, and having a buddy stomp on the brakes while you use a LARGE breaker bar to get it loose. From that point you literally just take the bolt out by hand and is super easy. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Rick

[@robertralexander107]

Hi , I have a 99 Impreza 2.2 manual trans, My cog basically looked identical to yours however after spinning my crank to 12 o'clock my cams are at 6 o'clock position.. my question is should i bring them up to 12 o'clock or should i make sure cylinder 1 is at tdc then adjust them to 12 o'clock? The car still runs the idle is a lil rough though.. Please let me know asap. Thanx and Happy New Year to u and your family. Sincerely, Robert.

[@robertralexander107]

Or should i just throw the belt on and release the tensioner and spin the crank with the ratchet first to make sure the valves aren't hitting the piston? However if i need to adjust it do i go clockwise or counter clockwise to bring the cams back to there proper setting? Sorry but this is my first time doing this and i dont want to mess up my engine. When it started i was on my way home from work and it made it home which is a 15 min drive .. thanx again. Robert.

[@rallysportdirect]

You will put the timing mark on the main cog at 12 o'clock, then spin the cam gears so the timing marks are also at 12 o'clock, when you put on the timing belt with the writing facing you so you can read it, all of the marks should line up perfectly. Also with the main crank cog at 12 o'clock you should not have any issues with spinning the cam gears. Also if you have it installed and it runs fine, you did it right :) If you did it wrong, you will instantly notice for sure. Thanks, Rick

[@raefjay134]

don't have much faith with their tensioner. heard a lot of horror stories. it's the same one I got with my kit with no markings on the housing. I went and brought an oem ntn tensioner to be on the safe side.

[@donschlegel1972]

Are all the parts made in Japan

[@rallysportdirect]

Not anymore, many of the components are but a few are not. They are still super high quality, but if you want 100% japan made, you would want to get an OEM kit from the dealership. Thanks, Rick

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

If you order the kit with an N at the end of the part number, they've still got Japanese bearings and tensioner.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

RallySport Direct You can get Japanese bearings from Gates.

[@rahlava]

how do you remove crank bolt in a automatic?

[@rallysportdirect]

Great Question :) Luckily Company 23 has you covered with their Crank Bolt Removal Tool www.rallysportdirect.com/part/pulleys/cop-503-2-company23-crank-pulley-tool Thanks, Rick

[@robertralexander107]

@@rallysportdirect , You can get a long enough breaker bar with a 22 mm socket put it on and turn the crank with the breaker bar to the right let it make contact with the frame and tap the ignition like two times to loosen the nut. If not broken then just tap again .. dont let it start cause it will cause damage if u do .. i did this with my 99 Subaru Impreza 2.2 and it worked like a charm . To tighten just have the breaker bar go to the passenger side and tap the ignition a few times .. just double check the torque to make sure its right.. Hope this helps .

[@madmattr6]

pull the radiator fan out...more access room.

[@rallysportdirect]

My hands would have appreciated that! :) Thanks, Rick

[@williamryan7403]

just pull the fucking radiator. Those radiators just sit in two holes and are bolted at the top. easy.

[@varitoo11]

how did he block the cams an crankshat??

[@rallysportdirect]

it's a single overhead cam, so they pretty much stay in place, but if they want to pop out of place, just use a 17mm wrench and have someone hold them in place while you put on the belt. Thanks, Rick

[@pappe249]

so what about a DOHC?

[@rallysportdirect]

The process will be nearly identical, however with 2 cam gears on each side you need to make sure those are lined up and it helps to get a "cam gear tool" to keep them in place while installing the belts, but I have done it before with no special tools, just have a buddy there to help hold the gears :) Thanks, Rick

[@Barrenchats]

My gates EJ25 kit had a tensioner failure at 3000 miles was the only part that had not makers mark aka made in china

[@arrakkis666]

Did you bleed it out properly?

[@marcovdabeast]

Those gates kits are made in china bro