Subaru Repair: water pump replacement, crank pulley, cam sprockets

Question
I need to replace a growling water pump in my 92 Subaru Legacy 4x4 wagon (manual trans, 2.2 L, non-turbine gas engine). Is this too difficult for a do-it-yourself project? (I am capable of doing things like rebuilding carbs, replacing timing chains on older pickups, etc.) I know the pump is timing belt driven. Does the timing belt actually need to be removed to pull the pump? I haven't messed with timing belts before. Would I need any special tools? Thanks, Mike

Answer
Mike, this is hard to answer. I've had so many 2.2's apart that it is pretty easy for me. Thinking back to the first few, it's tricky, but not difficult. Subaru makes matching up the belt to the timing marks pretty simple. The belt will have three marks on it, with the writing read normally on the belt, you will have a dotted line(alings with the hash mark on ear of crank pulley) and two solid lines(align with mark on cam sprockets. The only tools other than the norm that will needed is a small allen wrench or drill bit to hold the hydralic tensioner compressed. (compress slowly in vise sliding bit through holes in housing), needle nose visegrips(hold belt on to crank sprocket), and two wooden spring type clothespins,(hold belt on cam sprokets). These last three items are not required, but unless you have 5 hands, it makes it easier. If you've rebuilt carbs, you can do this. Get a repair manual though. It will clarify things a little. The pump is in fact driven by the belt, requiring removal. Now is a good time to replace the belt if it has over 60'000 on it. Also, check the idlers, they're what usually make rumbling sounds. Good luck and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions.