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.

Remove the crank pulley. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Crank Pulley. >
Remove the timing belt cover. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Timing Belt Cover. >
If the alignment mark or arrow mark (which indicates the direction of rotation) on timing belt fade away, put new marks before removing the timing belt as shown in procedures below.
1. Turn the crankshaft using ST, and align the alignment marks on crank sprocket, intake cam sprocket LH, exhaust cam sprocket LH, intake cam sprocket RH and exhaust cam sprocket RH with marks on oil pump and notches of timing belt cover.
  ST 499987500 CRANKSHAFT SOCKET
  
  Fig 1: Turning Crankshaft Using Special Tool
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
2. Using white paint, put an alignment mark or an arrow mark on timing belts in relation to the crank sprocket and cam sprockets.
  
  Fig 2: Timing Belt Alignment Mark
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Fig 3: Arrow Mark On Timing Belts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  
  Z ₁ : 54.5 teeth
  
  Z ₂ : 51 teeth
  
  Z ₃ : 28 teeth
  
  Fig 4: Timing Belt Teeth Dimensions
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the belt idler (A).

Fig 5: Belt Idler
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the timing belt.
CAUTION: After the timing belt has been removed, never rotate the intake and exhaust sprocket. If the cam sprocket is rotated, the intake and exhaust valve heads strike together and valve stems are bent.