The timing belt is a critical piece of a car’s engine. The timing belt controls the timing of the engine’s valves. Timing belts need to be replaced at recommended intervals to prevent failure. If a timing belt fails during use, it will cause major damage to the engine. Be sure to verify that your make and model uses a timing belt. Most modern Subarus use a timing belt, but a few models use timing chains or timing gears. The owner’s manual will specify when to replace the belt in the scheduled maintenance section if the car has a timing belt.
Remove the radiator fan, air conditioner fan, and accessory belt cover. Remove the alternator and A/C drive belts. Remove the air-conditioning compressor drive belt tensioner.
Remove the pulley bolt and lock the crankshaft using a crankshaft pulley wrench. Remove the crankshaft pulley, left side belt cover, right side belt cover and front belt cover. If you have a manual transmission, remove the timing belt guide.
Turn the crankshaft and align the alignment marks on the crankshaft and left and right camshaft sprockets with notches on the belt cover and cylinder block. Use a crankshaft sprocket to turn the crankshaft.
Remove the belt idler. Once that is out, you can remove the timing belt and automatic belt tension adjuster assembly.
Install all parts in reverse order. Be sure to align all alignment marks on the belt with corresponding marks on the sprockets. If incorrectly installed, interference between pistons and valves may occur, which can seriously damage the engine.
