Timing Belt

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Prepare for installation of the automatic belt tension adjuster assembly. < Ref. to AUTOMATIC BELT TENSION ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY AND BELT IDLER , INSTALLATION, Timing Belt. >
Align the mark (B) on crank sprocket with the mark (A) on oil pump.

Fig 1: Crank Sprocket Alignment Mark
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Align the single line mark (B) on the exhaust cam sprocket RH with notch (A) on the timing belt cover.

Fig 2: Single Line Mark And Exhaust Cam Sprocket RH With Notch
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Align the single line mark (B) on the intake cam sprocket RH with notch (A) on the timing belt cover. Make sure that the double line marks (C) on intake and exhaust cam sprockets are aligned.

Fig 3: Single, Double Line Mark And Notch
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Align the single line mark (B) on exhaust cam sprocket LH with notch (A) on the timing belt cover by turning the sprocket counterclockwise (as viewed from front of engine).

Fig 4: Turning Sprocket Counterclockwise
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Align the single line mark (B) on intake cam sprocket LH with notch (A) on the timing belt cover by turning the sprocket clockwise (as viewed from front of engine). Make sure the double line marks (C) on the intake and exhaust cam sprockets are aligned.

Fig 5: Turning Sprocket Clockwise
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Make sure that the cam and crank sprockets are positioned properly.
CAUTION:
- Intake and exhaust camshafts for this DOHC engine can be independently rotated with the timing belts removed. As can be seen from the illustration, if the intake and exhaust valves are lifted simultaneously, heads will interfere with each other, resulting in bent valves.
  
  Fig 6: Intake And Exhaust Camshaft
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- When the timing belts are not installed, four camshafts are held at the "zero-lift" position, where all cams on camshafts are not pushing down on the intake and exhaust valves. (Under this condition, all valves remain unlifted.)
- When the camshafts are rotated to install the timing belts, #2 intake and #4 exhaust cam of camshaft LH are held, pushing their corresponding valves down. (Under this condition, these valves are held lifted.) Camshaft RH are held so that their cams do not push the valves down.
- Camshafts LH must be rotated from the zero-lift position to the position where the timing belt is to be installed with the smallest possible angle, in order to prevent mutual interference of intake and exhaust valve heads.
- Do not allow the camshafts to rotate in the direction shown in the upper illustration. Doing this may cause both the intake and exhaust valves to lift simultaneously, resulting in mutual interference of valve heads.
Fig 7: Camshaft Direction Of Rotation And Timing Belt Installation Position
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Align the alignment mark on the timing belt with marks on the sprockets in the alphabetical order shown in the illustration. While aligning marks, position the timing belt properly, and install the timing belt.
CAUTION:
- If the timing belt slips by 1 or more teeth, the valve and piston may hit each other.
- Make sure that the direction of belt rotation is correct.
Fig 8: Timing Belt Alignment Mark Aligning Sequence
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Install the belt idlers.
Tightening torque:

39 N.m (4.0 kgf-m, 28.8 ft-lb)

NOTE: Make sure that the marks on the timing belt and sprockets are aligned.

Fig 9: Timing Belt And Sprockets Mounting Bolt
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After ensuring that the marks on the timing belt and sprockets are aligned, remove the stopper pin from tensioner adjuster.

Fig 10: Removing Stopper Pin From Tensioner Adjuster
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Install the timing belt cover. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Timing Belt Cover. >
Install the crank pulley. < Ref. to INSTALLATION , Crank Pulley. >