Subaru Drive Belt Replacement 2.5 Impreza / Forester / Outback / Legacy

Drive belt replacement performed on a 2010 Impreza 2.5L - also known as EJ25 drive belt replacement.
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Note:
This video is being performed by an experienced tech. Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, use safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. If you don't think you can perform the job then be smart and don't. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film is strictly prohibited.
Subaru Drive Belt Replacement
• Subaru Drive Belt Repl...
Carsntoys
/ carsntoys

[@HollomanUFOLanding]

I have far too much time on my hands and have watched just about every video online about fitting these belts. This video is far and away the best - 'best' defined as clear and informative. Thanks so much for posting!!

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Cheers

[@Scottize1]

WW

[@craigkohring2170]

My belt disintegrated driving down the highway a couple hours ago. Fortunately there was an O'Reilly's less than an hour away and they had the part 😂. Thank you for this video, it helped me get home!

[@jjclarkson3261]

Another very good video, with the exception of the 2X LOUD MUSIC BLAST at the end.

[@JulianRosemeier]

the alternator drive belt frayed suddenly and a big strip started whipping around the engine bay. gave me a big fright. thanks to your video I fixed it myself within an hour. huge thank you.

[@kaelathossantoran3961]

Hey man, I just wanted to say something. You are freaking awesome! I have a 2011 Outback that’s been overheating, and your videos have given me all the knowledge I need to fix it myself and save my wife and I a TON of money! I also have a 2000 Legacy Sedan L that I’m determined to fix and get back on too thanks to you! Much respect and love from West Virginia! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and helping us keep our babies running! :D

[@daddyoalcaraz4030]

Once again, an excellent step by step application on how to change the AC and tensioner belts. You by far are the best provider of How To videos for Subaru. Thanks again!!

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you very much!

[@cedriclheureux6474]

Most helpful video I’ve seen. I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza wrx and my alternator’s pulley bearing seized and caused my serpentine belt to break. That belt tool part was super helpful, saved me lots of time and swearing, took me no time to fix. Awesome vid 👍

[@chrish5479]

Thanks for the video...I did it myself in like 30 mins even with my neighbor talking to me. I used a marker to mark the threads and counted them to make sure of the tension.... because my belt had snapped. Saved me alot of $$, thanks!!

[@asherriyaal]

Excellent video! You explained and showed every step better than I’ve ever seen in an auto mechanics video. Thank you, I appreciate you taking time to make and share this video

[@craigpawlak630]

Thanks, this is a great instruction video, it was almost exactly the same as my 2009 Subaru Imprezza WRX. After watching this, the job took only about 35 minutes.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@toddb930]

Looks like that tool is the way to go. Thanks for putting together this well done video!

[@biancalbbh3482]

Oh my gosh thank you so much it literally took less then 10 minutes and my car is steering with more easy already like I’m genuinely impressed thank you

[@diannetipton8208]

Thank you for cutting the stretch belt off. I couldn't bear to watch another guy wrestle-wiggle and gouge out the pulley.

[@drainbamages]

Great video, made the job quick and easy.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you! Very much appreciated and happy to help! Cheers

[@Punisher_1923]

So thanks to this video I did this job and my AC compressor pulley bearing went so I'll be doin this again but super glad this video is out here

[@drdax]

super great explanation and video letting me see the process quite clearly. Better than most car fixing videos I've seen

[@CarsNToys]

Glad you liked it!

[@ruiner1098]

Wow great write up man! Literally something i've had my mind on lately. Recently bought an 08 Impreza 2.5i and was told at the stealership that i need a belt service before long. Now i feel confident to tackle this meself:D cheers!

[@CarsNToys]

It's quite simple. Glad to help. Cheers

[@TheMegaberg]

Great video. Great detail. Reading how to do in manual is overwhelming and impossible. You make it possible!

[@nikon6163]

Perfect video. Better than all the others covering this maintenance

[@daviddave7392]

Thanks for this video; one additional step I took after measuring the deflection (about 1/4") was to put my ratchet on the adjuster bolt and rotated it CCW exactly 25 turns, so I knew that when I reassembled everything, I would go 25 turns CW to get the previous tension, which I did - about 1/4" tension. Where can I get a serpentine tension gauge and what should the measurement be?

[@jonathanhardy]

awesome video! thank you. prior to watching this i was going to replace only the large belt. thanks for taking the time and energy to make the video.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@darrenparkes9805]

Thank you so much very appreciated, I ended up replacing both belts on my Subaru forester, thank you I’m daz from australia

[@n3rdstrength]

Excellent, I have a 2000 impreza 2.5rs - this video will be my guide!

[@huideyin375]

Very clear explanation using different camera. Awesome! thanks for sharing.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@RATM1971]

Thanks for this video. We have a 2009 Outback and a 2009 Outback Sport. The Outback has a nice tensioner pulley and the Sport has this design. No idea why Subaru did it different on the exact same motor. I definitely like the Outback design better for belt replacement, although it's more pulleys to squeal as they age.

[@chloefourte3413]

Used this for my new-to-me '01 Forester ! Thanks much!

[@RobbieDonohue]

omg my 2005 foresters alternator belt just snapped after having both “replaced” last year really amazing to know i can do it myself so easily lol

[@scion456]

Another video had a great tip for removing ac belt with long screw driver buy guiding the belt towards you while using socket on crank but yes you are correct just cut it off since you won't need it anymore but didn't show how to put new belt on and I figure it will be the reverse but thinking of it it will damage the belt so the install tool you mentioned will be a plus for a no damage installation.

[@AutobahnSean]

You’re the best, very clear and informative video, with no BS. Subscribed!

[@CarsNToys]

Thanks for the sub!

[@vv247]

Excellent video , even the shop manual I have doesn't show how to change the AC belt.

[@miktara4019]

Thanks for this very detailed and clear video. Very easy to follow. I have noticed that the tightening bolt doesn't have to go that far to achieve the same tension as the old belt. Which indicates that the new belt might need to be tighten in the future? Thanks

[@markgilbert7377]

Excellent video. Your point about the special tool for the AC idler belt is well taken. I was able to use a teaspoon handle (like when you change a bicycle tire) to nudge the belt into the right location over the AC pulley grooves so I got by without the tool. 2002 Forester. Thanks!

[@CarsNToys]

Good stuff!

[@davidglass1005]

This is a great demo. Does the car need to be in neutral with an automatic transmission to rotate the crankshaft?

[@bobmcl2406]

Very clear, well planned and well produced video.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad you liked it!

[@christophersmith9765]

This video has helped me a ton however do you have any advice cause the tool keeps slipping off the pulley when I use the wrench to slip on the belt and the bracket is always bent

[@markmorbos]

Thanks for this video. Detailed and informative.

[@PatrickWagz]

The rear (A/C) belt is not set-up like this on the 2006 Forester. It has an adjustable idler pulley, so you don't need that additional tool that you purchased.

[@ddland45]

I tried to replace that belt and there's no way to get to that idler pulley without taking out the radiator fans. Just can't fit a ratchet on that pulley...no room.

[@ItalianStallionLouie]

ddland45 have to use a cambered 12mm spanner

[@thedailydose8856]

Very good visuals of all steps involved. Good camera work in a tight space too. (A c-clamp and a small wrench is useful in place of the $30 kit.) I'm going to subscribe to this one. Well done!

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@joshfellows6161]

This video helped me fix mine!! Thank you bro

[@visionsnkiwane7361]

Insightful and helpful video. What are the belt specs for the 2002 forester x20? For both the Alt belt and the AC belt. Thanks

[@la5150hi-lophoto]

Great video…it makes me at least know if the mechanics did it properly:)

[@dewanehill1435]

Great video!!! very simple and clear.

[@Op614Roll]

Bravo, great precise presentation. Now I gotta find that tool lol.

[@niktarasyuk8514]

Hmm... why to remove negative terminal? And how would crank would rotate faster if the belt is loose?

[@nonamedelete9132]

Great video, but why you have to rotate the crank pulley to a certain position?

[@loganhughey]

For the tool to fit

[@nonamedelete9132]

@@loganhughey I've got it thanks.

[@michaelgarcia1132]

Hi do you have the Amazon links for the belt and tool you used to get the belt on?

[@ProfessorDIY]

actually if you do what you suggested you will overtighten the be;t as the old belt has stretched

[@sbf_fox2434]

Thanks for making this video. It really helped me when I changed the AC clutch on my 2008 Impreza. For the belt tension I have an alternative suggestion. To remove the tensioner, just unscrew the bolt that faces the front of the car leaving the adjustment bolt alone. When re-installing, back the adjustment bolt off six complete turns keeping track of the revolutions. Screw the forward facing bolt into the alternator just to take up the slack. Then tighten the adjustment bolt the 6 revolutions to set the tension to what it was. Finally snug the forward facing bolt.

[@MagneticSyncopation]

@CarsNToys Comments on this?

[@Mike_44]

My '05 Outback XT P/S belt squeals during cold startups. The belt seems to have the right tension. I've also already replaced both the return hose and the O-ring, and turned the steering from L to R lock several times with the wheels off the ground to help get rid of the air from the system, but the noise still comes back at cold startups.. Could it be the P/S pump, the reservoir? Any ideas what else could be creating the annoying belt squeal noise?

[@garyrasmussen1794]

Outstanding video work and explanation as you go. 👍👍👍

[@hojoonlee8437]

Can I use the same product model for the front and the rear side belts? Or would you recommend a good one for the front side belt?

[@Monkey-sj8wj]

very well explained and excellent camera angle, thank you for sharing.

[@CarsNToys]

Appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

[@SANTAMUERTE24]

Did you use 2 new belts of the same part# or are both belts not identical

[@wrxstidima4287]

Thanks so much for this video my ac belt snapped Im replacing both belts the alternator and ac compressor belt. No nearby stores had the tool you used in the video. I tried ordered one one online because I was struggling to do it with out. The belt would ride out too much from the top ac pulley when tightening the crankshaft. I noticed you make emphasis on the rotation of the crankshaft pulley is that an important factor of where its at prior to getting the alternator belt on? Or did you make emphasis on this piece of the tool you used and you simply mentioned it because you need the hole at 3pm to align the tool and have it sit to push the belt in the right direction as you tighten? I just wanted to make sure while I wait for the gates tool. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video

[@heh2k]

Why would you measure deflection/tension of an OLD belt? The new one should be tighter. It seems to me that marking the tensioner position is a better method.

[@codechrist]

Thank you ❤️ this helped me 😊!!

[@fishfoolishness4222]

Don't know about that stretch belt. Seems easier to loosen tensioners and use regular belt. Took me 20min on my 04 impreza.

[@michaelblaser258]

Thanks buddy, you r a champion, bought the bits, followed the steps, bazinga, good as new. Regards, Grateful Aussie

[@andyb6120]

Very good tutorial

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you.

[@nhat_is_da_le]

Hi was wondering if you would know the tension specs for my Impreza WRX 2008. When I bought the car it came with those stretchable belts which didn't work well so I just bought the regular stock ones. However, I do notice it screeches during the morning cause of the morning chills. There's the degrees factor and also probably because the nuts like to loosen up from time to time. I would just like to know what I need to adjust the belt to when it starts screeching again

[@stryctn9yne13]

If it’s screeching, that means you didn’t get the tensioner pulley tight enough. Also another quick fix you can do is buy a can of belt spray (less than $10 at any auto parts store) and spray the belt down while the engine is running

[@kashiomodashio6455]

thanks for the video! all data initially threw me off on the a/c belt, my adapter was pissing me off lol, I ended up getting it on without, but thanks for making my job easier!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@trinidadzacatelco1749]

Would this belt fit my 2008 subaru impreza 2.5l non turbo? My first subie and first time working on my own car just want to make sure i buy the right belt for my ac compressor.

[@phillanghorst8333]

what size is the bolt on the crankshaft?

[@lol_paul_ledoux]

hey bud, what's the part number on the top belt? looking to replace on my 2009 forester

[@lol_paul_ledoux]

Im getting belt squeal when starting the car or turning left/right when temps are cold

[@johnduong7588]

Is it just me or did the installation tool fall off while he was turning the crankshaft pulley to get the belt on???

[@MrTredBear]

You have no AC pulley spindle at all!?

[@kylegwinn3131]

Does this work for a 2000 Subaru Impreza RS Coupe? I have the JDM 2.0 swap instead of the 2.5. I believe they at least use the same part.

[@connorsievert9708]

Which belt is just for the front belt that goes around the alternator

[@EpiclyReckless]

Hi, so I got a work call and had to rush to get my car back together and put the stretch fit a/c belt on with the letters not facing me.. so as you're standing in front of the car looking down at the engine, the letters on the belt are upside down. Does the direction of rotation matter on stretch fit belts?

[@stryctn9yne13]

No……….

[@Hunter-yo7hs]

Hey what’s the took you used for three second belt??

[@jmb92555]

I just did my neighbor's '10 Legacy GT. It was probably the easiest alt I ever replaced. I had to loosen and remove an idler pulley to get the right mounting bolt off. And it has a serpentine belt. All in all I think that car is a POS moneypit based on what he's been through.

[@CarsNToys]

That's too bad. The fit and finish aren't the best on older Subaru's but they tend to be highly reliable. Thanks for sharing.

[@nickc2144]

Very good, thank you for posting

[@chairmankim9628]

Thanks. You saved me with this video.

[@CarsNToys]

Awesome! Glad to help!

[@letslockit]

Why do you take off the negative cable on the battery?

[@stryctn9yne13]

Cause he’s a moron. You can tell this dude works for a dealership, so of course they’re going to do everything ass backwards so you fuck up your vehicle and have to bring it in to get fixed

[@RamziSulais]

Did anyone try this belt to legacy 2011, other websites showing it will not fit

[@Eegoor1976]

Great video!

[@thelostmachine8395]

So how do you know the belt has correct deflection to begin with? What's the measurement for...? It's not going to do you any good unless you know the specs for the belt tension. How do you know the last mechanic installed it with the correct tension? or if the belt is original then measuring the deflection will do no good either because belts stretch over time.

[@CarsNToys]

It was cross referenced w/Subaru manual.

[@billybobbobson5346]

theLostMachine just google the manual. It’s 2019. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@eraulchavez]

Thank you so much. I did it!!!

[@josemarrinhas9555]

Thank you. Great informative video.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1986ALC]

Hi! On our 08 outback both battery died and a/c started to make funny noises instead of cold air the next day after we changed both belts. Visually everything seems fine. I'm thinking about some slightly incorrect install. Have you encounterd anything similar? thanks

[@CarsNToys]

I haven't had any issues. How's the belt tension?

[@mikeygoodboi]

Are you checking the inside of the NEW belt or of the OLD belt so that you will not hard the compressor? My belt is shredded but is still working. I think its original.

[@stryctn9yne13]

If your belt is shredded…….that means you need a new one dumbass

[@hihowego4133]

I am nervous about taking mine in for a belt replacement.

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

Timing belt yes, you really need someone who knows their stuff, change water pump, tensioner and idle rollers at the same time. Not a cheap game. These auxiliary drive belts are easy enough, just take your time. Damn awkward as with all things Subaru. Never seen the need for use of that tool though. Belts go on crank pulley first, you have the movement and adjustment at the other end to get the belt onto the pulley.

[@OnWardMediaLLC]

Very helpful. And we’ll made!

[@cbarajas52]

agreed great tutorials dude thanks alot

[@stocks4bt]

where did you get the belt and kit from. Also why turn the crank pulley to the 9 o'clock position

[@CarsNToys]

Local part store or Amazon carries the kit. Turning to the 9 o'clock position makes it easy to fit the adapter.

[@akolsrud]

Very nice video. Thank you.

[@Rylee_G]

Just used this - easy af

[@thesoldlisting5183]

Awesome video very good too know thats its a easy fix

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@PatrickOnDemand]

nice work buddy

[@Bad_Samaritan]

Thank you, well put and filmed!

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you

[@lamii6918]

How so u check the tension if that belt is already gone

[@billybobbobson5346]

Lastlamii Potpie well clearly you can’t check the tension on a belt that’s no longer on there and tight.... buy a tension gauge or take it to the shop.

[@johnnydoggs]

Timing belt on 2010 Subaru says 105 months or 105,000 miles I have 70k miles but I'm at 105 months can I wait in your opinion and if so for how long?

[@CarsNToys]

Personally, I'd replace it. But I'm very cautious. Have you inspected the belt? These two vids may help you; how to inspect the timing belt and how to replace it.. Inspection - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uqnIWfaLV6has Replacement - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmqxcomdd754m7M

[@johnnydoggs]

CarsNToys no i haven't inspected it yet thanks for the information and videos.

[@billybobbobson5346]

Johnny Doggs I just did mine at 185,000 on a 2010 2.5i

[@johnnydoggs]

Billy Bob Bobson Ok thanks, looks like i have time. I'm more concerned with the pulleys than the belt. I'm going to inspect the belt soon. I'll prob get it all done at around 85-90k.

[@junedube1810]

Very helpful,thank you,

[@Ellerz34]

good information here thank you for the video!!!!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@greekboydinos]

great video thanks

[@nonyourbuz5805]

...Interesting...My old 2001 does not need this tool as it has an adjuster...but interesting anyway...

[@stryctn9yne13]

Same. That’s how you know this idiot works for a dealership. He wants you to fuck up your vehicle so you have to take it in to a mechanic

[@TheJoselo585]

Does anyone know what the spec tension is?

[@ColonelNegative]

Thanks so much.

[@CarsNToys]

You're welcome!

[@jdmfans6078]

do i need remove spark plug to do this job?

[@CarsNToys]

No need.

[@stryctn9yne13]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@stryctn9yne13]

@@CarsNToyswhy not???? You disconnected the negative battery terminal when there’s absolutely ZERO need to do that

[@drywallsculptingwithjason7137]

really stupid design idea subaru, why not just make the ac belt with an ability to adjust similar to the altinator

[@CarsNToys]

Tell me about it. It's just another way to make some money.

[@stryctn9yne13]

My 2001 Forester has tensioner pulleys on both belts

[@stryctn9yne13]

So Idfk what you’re talking about

[@Joshua-rx9wv]

Thanks!

[@CarsNToys]

Welcome.