Timing Belt: Removal

Remove accessory drive belt cover and belts. Remove A/C compressor belt tensioner, if equipped. Using Crankshaft Pulley Wrench (499977100), secure crankshaft pulley. Using Crankshaft Socket (499987500), remove crankshaft pulley bolt, then remove crankshaft pulley. Remove timing belt covers. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Identifying Crankshaft Pulley & Timing Belt Covers (2.5L Engine)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
On 1998-99 models with manual transaxle, remove timing belt guide. On all models, if timing belt is to be reused, mark belt to indicate original direction of rotation before removal, if original marks are worn away or faded. Also mark belt to indicate belt-to-sprocket alignment, if original marks are worn away or faded. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Identifying Timing Belt Components (2.5L Engine)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
To mark belt, turn crankshaft with crankshaft socket to align marks on crankshaft sprocket, left intake camshaft sprocket, left exhaust camshaft sprocket, right intake camshaft sprocket and right exhaust camshaft sprocket with notches on belt covers and cylinder block. See Fig 3.

Fig 3: Aligning Crankshaft Sprocket & Left & Right Camshaft Sprockets (2.5L Engine)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Use White paint to mark direction of rotation and to mark timing belt in relation to sprocket alignment marks. When marks are properly aligned, 54.5 teeth should be on right side of crankshaft sprocket, 51 teeth should be on left side of crankshaft sprocket and 28 teeth should be on outer edges of camshaft sprocket sets. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: Aligning Timing Belt Before Removal (2.5L Engine)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove belt idler No. 1. Remove timing belt. Remove idler No. 3 and idler No. 2. Remove belt tensioner adjuster mounting bolt. Remove belt tensioner adjuster. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: Removing Timing Belt Tensioner Adjuster Components (2.5L Engine)
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.