Subaru DOHC Timing Belt Kit | STEP-BY-STEP Guide

Subaru DiY walk-through of the install steps for a new dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine timing belt kit with new pullies on a EJ205 engine (used in the 2002-2005 USDM WRX). However, this video tutorial will also apply to a wide-range of other Subaru DOHC engines. I also demonstrate how to use one of the SPECIALTY CAM TOOLS to install the timing belt, which makes this job much easier and quicker - LINK BELOW!
🔹 CAM TOOL - www.amazon.com/shop/subaruonl...
This video is part of a "Build Series" (see "Playlists" tab for all videos) for my 1998 Rally Blue Pearl RSTi Coupe (Impreza 2.5RS swapped with a EJ205 turbo engine), which is 1 of only 720 sold in the USDM for 1998. This RSTi Build has come a long way and includes a full archive of videos documenting how to: (1) Pull a EJ-series turbo engine, (2) Replace the head gaskets, (3) Add key upgrades to increase long-term reliability, and (4) Restore the interior to OEM specifications.
*2020 UPDATE: After working as a professional Hydrogeologist for 15 years, I've decided to embrace the reward I've found in creating KZbin content, my passion for competitive Motorsports, and building relationships with all the people and small businesses that make these communities work. I'M GOING FULL-TIME as a KZbin Creator starting Dec 2020! Hope you'll join me on this journey into the unknown!
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THANK YOU!
~ Luke 👊
#subaruonly #GC8 #RSTi

[@aaronfredsberg7275]

thank you for the best Subaru content on youtube, your videos help me a lot. one day soon this channel is gonna explode.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks man!!! Awesome feedback! Trying to make the BEST diy videos for our Subie fam. 😁😁😁

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@JamesCT153]

@@SubaruONLY your videos are seriously the perfect companion when trying to do this myself. Thanks for always including the torqe specs!!

[@SubaruONLY]

Awesome - glad it helped, cheers buddy!!!

[@oldchev2850]

All bolts 28.9 ft/lbs but little idler is 18.5 ft/lb. Gap between belt and guide is 1mm which is 0.040” (40 thow) not 20. Loctite 243 is not studlock and is used where you can still remove bolts with normal tools but it prevents loosening due to vibration. Supposedly it’s not required though. Great video and not filmed at night which is a plus.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hahaha, thanks. Guess lots of people film at night. Thanks for the support!!!

[@joshfiskel603]

It was the most terrifying start up I’ve ever had but it worked. I can’t thank you enough

[@SubaruONLY]

Nice - glad it worked out!!!

[@seansmith3299]

Just got my first Subaru and you have had great content to just binge and learn. You’re awesome!!!!

[@Pccpy]

This is the most informed, well explained, and best Subaru timing belt video out there. After this, even my grandma knows how to change Subaru timing belt. Thank you.

[@harrisonmorin616]

Thanks for all the info you give I cant wait to start building my own forester XT! I'll definitely give credit to the subaru god

[@stevenireland8647]

Did the water pump and cambelt kit watching this video. Perfect to follow. If you already have experience you will have no dramas.

[@benedictoflores3926]

Love the extra details for the install. Good video man.

[@marioshimabukuro9435]

I m from Argentine. I have a impreza wrx ej205, watching this video I could made the special tool to timming belt. Thanks.

[@k.c4931]

Man, I’ve watched a few videos of this job and the speciality tool makes it way easier. Gonna do this job coming summer and this video will definitely be my guide. Great content. Your oil pan videos are sick too.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks man!!! Much appreciated!!! 👊

[@Rayzer303]

This gives me the confidence to do this myself...Sitting @ 81k right now but thanks this is very informative.

[@cramdangle]

Please keep up the Subaru content. These videos will be relevant for a long time

[@brettpylipow9334]

I cannot express how appreciative of your videos. Incredibly clear and precise; thank you!

[@SubaruONLY]

Thank you! 👍

[@alivia4907]

I wish I knew that I needed the cam stop tool b4 I started. I did it without the tool but you really helped me out with the belt guides. I kept getting the timing wrong until I took them off. Definitely not easy but you helped me out. Thanks for the video

[@Abaddavid420247]

Thank you for all your videos! Just did the timing belt on my 06 legacy and your videos helped me a lot! Also installed a getadomtune cooling mod. Thanks for explaining the cylinder 4 cooling flow problem so thoroughly! Cheers!

[@SubaruONLY]

For sure man. Stoked it helped!! Cheers! 🤙

[@dkheke]

Very informative video, well explained and feel more confident doing my son's cambelt on his 96 Bg Subaru legacy. Learnt alot Thanks.

[@nevillehylton7350]

I like your explanation on the belts change very good work.

[@scottishlyscubaru145]

Thanks for your vivid and meticulous videos. I’ve always been interested in Subaru’s and I finally have the opportunity to say I own one. Keep making these videos. Highly appreciated, I’m also a DIYER.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks! 👊

[@Mr69barracuda]

GREAT video ~ confirmed EVERYthing I already knew CLEARLY. Gonna Follow you for that.

[@zacharyt9400]

Thanks a lot for all these videos. By far the most detailed and quality videos I have seen.

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@davidwilson2758]

That's the best detailed information ive seen of changing a timing belt replacement of a ej motor, Thankyou.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hell yea, stoked to hear!!!

[@daniel4u2c92]

thank you for taking your time to make this video its was very helpful

[@tpcoachfix]

Excellent video. I love the tools to hold the left side timing sprockets.

[@SubaruONLY]

Me too, used to use wrenches and a vice grip clamped down, so much better with this little tool!!! 👊

[@arokgod]

Actually a good guide !

[@Jerry-ml3iy]

Loves your video! Helps a lot for my first engine build ! Good job man .

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@deancook6810]

Thank you for this I actually thought it would be impossible for me but wow its actually quite simple thanks to your guide 😊

[@SubaruONLY]

Love to hear. Cheers!!!

[@nerfsbest]

Very clear instructions and very informative! Awesome video! Thanks

[@SubaruONLY]

Awesome. Cheers and Happy New Year buddy!!!

[@zaneunique1215]

Thanks for the information , excellent presentation . Do you advise changing the water pump when you change the belt?

[@bennybuilds328]

Your intonation is something that I have to get used to, but the videos are amazing.

[@SubaruONLY]

Glad you like them!

[@nathanacuna]

Very good detailed video Luke! Ill definitely be buying that cam holder tool when the time comes!

[@SubaruONLY]

It’s a good investment in my opinion. 👍

[@princekampiru]

your demonstrations are very helpful

[@SubaruONLY]

Thank you!!! Much appreciated!!! 👊

[@Pje3ski]

Best video I have seen on this. Thanks for taking the time to make it

[@SubaruONLY]

Glad it helped. Thanks for taking the time to comment - cheers buddy!!! 👊

[@theronsmith8244]

Thanks for your video step-by-step sharing

[@WahooNo2]

I never got the cool timing belt spacer tool in my gates kit. But you can make a spacer tool by taking one of the thin cardboard boxes that the new pulleys come in and cut a strip with scissors then fold it over once. This will oddly be about 1mm in thickness which you can verify with a caliper / micrometer if needed. I haven't gotten the cam holder tool yet, but you can hold the cams in place with 2 breaker bars and 10mm hex sockets. One pain in the butt thing is if your car has single or dual avcs (ej 255 or 257 depending on the year). It is because the cams may not line up exactly like the non avcs engines. The cams may slip back like you say in your video and it does that very quickly and can slice your hands up because you are essentially trying to balance an egg on its top which is compressing the valves open.

[@digitalbilly]

Yo I learned alot from you and your saving me tons of moola thanks!!!!

[@shaking1974]

Great video and helped me out a lot, But I have an issue, I'm currently doing my timing belt and all was going well until the thread stripped on the tensioner Pulley, any suggestions?

[@joaquinaguirre2976]

HI, I really appreciate all the info in your videos, thank man.

[@TizonaAmanthia]

Thanks again for the help, I'm gonna subscribe, so I can get the help I need in the future, for keeping my new subaru happy.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hope so - cheers!

[@rjbrennanjr]

I do work on high-performance cars and aircraft. Your videos are incredibly thorough and efficient - you don't waste time, but nothing is skipped. Exactly what I need to get work done without wasting time and making mistakes. Impressive. Keep making these videos, they are invaluable. I wish you worked on aircraft engines, too . . .

[@SubaruONLY]

Haha, I’ve always been interested in aircraft design too. Maybe someday. Never know. Cheers and thanks!!!

[@mauriziobussolino2115]

Thank you for your video. I have a bug eye bought in 2001 Questions: On my old EJ20, there's a way longer bolt than the one you show on the lower red cog gear, plus a washer behind it is it my mistake mixing them up? Also the idler pulley that came with the gates kit is slightly different, the seal of the bearing isn't as deep making the original bolt shorter. I have replaced that bolt with one that is 1/2 longer. The old one wouldn't even catch on the threads. Now when I took down all the pulleys I made sure to put the bolts back in their original spot. At least I think I did. Just need to make sure. Thanks for any feedback

[@youngxlos]

Awesome guide! Could you make a video on how to bleed the hydraulic tensioner? To make sure there is no air bubble I bought on from Subaru and wanted to make sure I don’t have air bubbles in mine

[@bernardodelacruz4827]

Very good step by step procedures on timing belts process nice men❤️✌️

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks buddy - cheers!

[@rallitart]

I ordered your kit after watching your video. Cheers

[@SubaruONLY]

Nice! Cheers and Happy Holidays!!! 👊

[@samster978]

how do you not have more subscribers! Thanks and keep the detailed vids coming.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks man! Definitely gonna be making some vids soon. stay tuned. 😁😁😁

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@joseluisoliva3199]

Excellent ! very educational!

[@sloppyteriyaki2158]

would you do any revolutions on a manual transmission to check if the lines align again? or would you just align them all and crank her up? 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@juanruano735]

Thank you for all the knowledge, I will do the same to my 2007 Subaru Impreza

[@SubaruONLY]

Happy it helps. Cheers!

[@NoGoodCREeP]

Man what a life saver 🙌🙌🙌 thanks for making this video

[@SubaruONLY]

Awesome. Glad it helped!!! 👍

[@dany7425]

The best ever explanation i ever seen can you please do one for the ej257 ?

[@salimfellah4778]

Hi. Thank you for your help.. is that apply for all Subaru... what about Subaru 2001 forester ??

[@ntsegts]

Thanks for a through vid. Any chance you know what kit fits my ej204 dohc?

[@jesusmadrid1213]

I tried to buy the cam tool but says is no longer available, hope to do my firstsubarus first timing belt your video was alot of help...any info helps

[@danz1910]

Thanks brother

[@beetlejuice1239]

Underrated channel.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks buddy!!! 👊

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@danglukinich4134]

Super helpful thanksssyouuuu

[@alexanderkillips3121]

Best timing video yet tho I wish it was the FB25 engine

[@moshelevy9785]

hello i have a question, if i line up the marks and than when i take of the belt one of the campullys moved from the mark, what should i do turn it again to the line clockwise or just turn it back against the clock ? ( i guess the cranck pully won't move?!) thanks

[@247jeffmarshall]

Just did the job with a cheaper Amazon one (not the one of Subaru only store) and I would highly recommend getting a better one. It popped out from the cams fell on the floor and the alan bolt portion snapped off lol luckily I had a mig welder to weld it back on but you get what you pay for

[@lainhensley771]

So great to see your channel. I am in Chico. Are you in the area? My son and I have been working on his Impreza WRX 2009 and we can't get it running. We need help. I would love your perspective.

[@bobbylittle9223]

Been looking for this video for weeks lol

[@SubaruONLY]

Hope it helps! Cheers 🍻

[@alfredojarillo3146]

Hello, are valves supposed to be open on loaded exhaust cam, driver side, when in time with intake cam?

[@LuxxyHD]

Before putting the belt in make sure to mark the side of the belt, makes it easier to see if the belt marks line up with the cam gear and definitely turn over the the engine by hand until the cam marks line up not the belt

[@Subieej20]

Do I turn the engine over before I pull the pin or after?

[@rayespinoza1846]

Hey man I’m assuming you know a lot about ej20s, I have a bugeye wrx that’s sti swapped but currently burning a little oil out of the exhaust, new turbo and motor has 40k miles on it, should I try a AOS or catch can? Any suggestions to help me out, thanks man

[@rudyv1891]

I just "stumbled" onto this video. Damn. My 7th gen civic is a walk in the park compared to this. Good to see different timing belt changes on diff cars.

[@bonza007]

Is it true that the lines on the timing belt only work if belt is installed so the words on the timing belt are readable from the front of the engine? Or does it work both ways?

[@whoknows1631]

How do you rotate the camshafts on my SOHC into position with out the belt on? or those specialty fitting. I have already removed the belt, tensioner and pullies.. can't rotate the cams

[@jurotztv7302]

Thank you for sharing this video very helpful nice tips.

[@SubaruONLY]

Sweet!

[@dariusstack]

What tool I can use to keep camshaft from moving while doing timming belt work

[@kendrickwilliams3696]

Awsome thanks for the info

[@stefmechgarage]

Thanks for all the info!!!!

[@SubaruONLY]

You know it - happy to share what I got :)

[@derrickgarcia303]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SubaruONLY]

👍

[@RenaudRolandHubertR2]

Sorry if it was already answered below but did a quick check and didn't see the question. But is it possible to do that timing belt replacement and water pump without pulling the engine out? Maybe just dropping the radiator. Would that give enough clearance?

[@brysonfitch5065]

Thought you might’ve pulled some threads on the upper right 12 mm pulley bolt pretty positive it’s 18.1 foot pounds and you mentioned in the video that it’s 28.9 got lucky!

[@tirapedo76]

Will be doing this very soon will def get the tool , I might also have to replace the cam seals any tips on getting the cam gears off, also considering co 23 tools to get that job done this will be done with the engine in the car. Love the videos great stuff.

[@SubaruONLY]

Thanks man! It’s pretty easy with that tool. I used to do it super ghetto and use two Allen keys strapped together, or just tried to do it and had the cam gear snap back on my over and over. 🤣🤣🤣

[@billm7315]

By the way I do like your detail instructions

[@RLTPDX]

Hi. I chase your videos and believe me they are very helpful. Thanks. question It is possible to change the head gasket without removing the engine ?

[@SubaruONLY]

Yep. It can be done for sure. Just need to unbolt the engine mounts and pitch stop so you can raise the engine as high as possible. But I got to be honest, I’ve never done it. Good luck. Cheers! 🤙

[@prod.joseph8786]

love your video. i just got a 2001 wrz imp and i was wondering what the best water pump and timing belt kit brand is for it, thank you

[@SubaruONLY]

Probably OEM for stock HP. For legit high end racing stuff, check out RCM in the UK.

[@SubaruONLY]

RCM = Roger Clark Motorsport

[@alexandergarwood379]

Need help a mechanic from Jamaica I have a problem where ej 20 a backfire when I try line up the timing it all one teeth off so my question should the right side a the head camshaft should ave the free play mean can easy to move

[@lightningmckurt2406]

wow, extremely great guide! Do you have one for removing/installing the covers while inside the engine? I'm about to check if my timing belt skipped a tooth or two on my EJ20X Legacy. I'm going to use the guide to see if everything lines up, well done! I'll post the results soon.

[@SubaruONLY]

Don’t have one for that yet but good idea for a video. Super common thing to have to do. I’ll def add that to the list!!! 👊

[@vincentdow5899]

I just had my water pump, and timing belt (pulleys, idlers) on my 1998 Legacy 2.5 (N.A.) The engine is louder since I got it back. More hi-pitched. Not crazy loud, just not the same. And it has a vibration at idle (in P and D) The garage owner said there's no way the symptoms are related to the timing belt - says that a misaligned timing belt would cause Tachometer needle to stutter non-stop. (tach needle is pretty steady) He won't look at it. he says the vibration is caused by the driveshaft. Until I replace the driveshaft he won't look at anything else. But doesn't make sense, driveshaft wouldn't cause vibration at a stop ? I have three days left to dispute the charge ($2,400 Canadian$) Should I bite the bullet and pay another garage to inspect the timing belt install?

[@n8scooby708]

Very good! But don't forget to pull the pin on the tensioner 🤔

[@SubaruONLY]

Lol. Yep, that’s what happened on my Legacy (for the previous owner)! That’s how I got it for $500. 👊

[@tpcoachfix]

After you pull the pin, wait about a minute, then rotate the crankshaft two turns clockwise. Check all the timing marks, they should all line up where they were when you installed the belt. Don't worry that the lines on the belt do not line up through.

[@SubaruONLY]

Good call buddy!!! Thanks and cheers!

[@n8scooby708]

😁👍

[@satoshibautista7766]

Can I ask where the other 2 Cam gears didn't get the special locking tool also? I'm just learning so sorry if it's a stupid question

[@chriszablocki2460]

Right. How long do I sit around and wait for their nonexistent point.

[@Satyaprakash56]

Very nice

[@juansaldivia3126]

Hi, thanks for your videos they are very helpful, I would like to ask you a question, I want to change the timing belt kit but my car does not have the rear cover belt, it is very risky to remove the pulleys to be able to put both cover belt? I have a Legacy 2007 ej204 engine, I hope you can give me some advice, greetings from Chile

[@SubaruONLY]

Not too hard and good idea to add that cover for sure. Should be able to walk through the steps using videos here - good luck!! 👍

[@Mindbogglaz]

Hey Luke the video is great! I have a question. I have a ‘04 forester XT EJ 25 and am trying to align the cam notches on left head. How can I align the notches and turn both cams without damaging valves?

[@SubaruONLY]

Best way is follow the Factory Service Manual. The intake and exhaust cams each need to be rotated in a specific direction; one is clockwise and the other counterclockwise - then lock them in place and install the belt.

[@grant3682]

Hi, Great video, do you have any early engine build videos which use the early type tensioner? That loctite looks like conterfit stuff, far too runny, genuine loctite 243 does not run like that down the thread. Thanks

[@SubaruONLY]

Hi. I do have some older ones. Think the locktite is just old, but I’ll take a closer look - thanks!!!

[@carlost7644]

Great video! Quick question, are the timing guides used with an automatic? I noticed when removing the belt that I did not have the main guide and figured that previous owner left it off when the timing belt was last done. Then after watching your video I see I also don't have the guides by the intake cam gears. Prior to watching your video I ordered a nice timing guide and planned on installing it when I install the belt. Any advice as to either using the guide(s) or not? Additionally, any harm in adding the 2 other guides? Thanks for the help!

[@SubaruONLY]

Hi buddy. Thanks for the support! As you suspected, those timing belt guides are normally only used for manual transmission cars. Does it hurt if they’re installed on an auto, no, but be sure to install them correctly. As for the main VS. the side cam guides, same thing, either are ok to use, but really they’re aren’t needed for an auto. Cheers, hope this helps!!! 👊

[@happytrails7179]

Freaking awesome! Thank you.

[@SubaruONLY]

Sweet! Cheers!

[@henryharrison8005]

Thanks for taking the time to make these great videos. By the way, you've got a little bit of Christopher Walken going on there.

[@jeniferenglesby9877]

How do I get the big pulley in middle off?

[@infatuationsencumbering2251]

This clearance is important if it is as stated 1mm than that is .0.394 of an inch not 0.020 of an inch having said that a great video thank you

[@kaundachibwe3638]

Is this same to be done on an EJ20 engine

[@diegohernandez9449]

Luke where have you beenI've been waiting for more Subaru vids I haven't seen or heard anything from you in about a month please come back we need more videos videoslove you showing us how to install the engine back into the car thank you

[@SubaruONLY]

Been a while, but I’m back - hope you’re doing well. Cheers!!! 👊

[@andrewboulos2775]

Hi Luke Great video, very easy to understand step by step! I would like some advice on something if you could help me. I am a qualified technician and I have a timing belt job booked on a 1998 gc8 wrx in a few weeks time and I was informed by a Subaru shop here in Australia that I should not touch the cam and crank shaft seals if they are not leaking. Why is that but what’s so hard about doing them? If there not leaking when I do the timing belt what if they leak a few months later? I don’t get it. Also with the cam locking tool, would that also work on that engine? I believe it should since the engine is a ej205 right? The Amazon website says it will not fit the car when I went to purchase it. Any help would be much appreciated Thankyou Luke.

[@SubaruONLY]

Hi, I agree with your logic! It’s not likely the seals will start leaking soon if they’re dry, but it is a good idea to replace them if the timing belt is being replaced. Also good to consider the mileage, that can be a big factor too. As for using the cam lock tool on your engine, yes it will definitely work. Amazon but think it’s a different engine due to USDM vs EU and JDM models. It will fit and it makes the job way easier!!! Cheers and good luck!! 👍

[@andrewboulos2775]

@@SubaruONLY Thanks a lot Luke!

[@katoben8584]

Thanks papa

[@trentakerlund4153]

Does anyone know what the cam gear torque specs are?

[@scottishlyscubaru145]

I’m at 77,000 right now, I’ve owned the car this whole time. I’m just beginning to do slight reliability upgrades and the timing belt and water pump is what I’m thinking about doing next.

[@SubaruONLY]

👌

[@Mindbogglaz]

Loved the vid! Do you have a standard cam removal tool on your amazon page for sale ?

[@SubaruONLY]

Should be one in there....

[@Mindbogglaz]

SubaruONLY ordered one and received. Thanks.

[@travisburton2948]

One thing you skipped was mentioning the water pump. If you are doing a 100k replacement of the belt, it just makes sense to change the water pump, since the belt drives it and you are in that far.