Timing Belt Assembly: Inspection

TIMING BELT
1. Check the timing belt teeth for breaks, cracks, and wear. If any fault is found, replace the belt.
2. Check the condition of back side of belt; if any crack is found, replace the belt.
  CAUTION:
  - Be careful not to let oil, grease or coolant contact the belt. Remove quickly and thoroughly if this happens.
  - Do not bend the belt sharply.
  1. Bending diameter: h 60 mm (2.36 in) or more
  Fig 1: Identifying Timing Belt Bending Diameter
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
AUTOMATIC BELT TENSION ADJUSTER
1. Visually check the oil seals for leaks, and rod ends for abnormal wear or scratches. If necessary, replace the automatic belt tension adjuster assembly.
  NOTE: Slight traces of oil at rod's oil seal does not indicate a problem.
2. Check that the adjuster rod does not move when a pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lb) is applied to it. This is to check adjuster rod stiffness.
3. If the adjuster rod is not stiff and moves freely when applying 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lb), check it using the following procedures:
  1. Slowly press the adjuster rod down to the end surface of the cylinder. Repeat this motion 2 or 3 times.
  2. With the adjuster rod moved all the way up, apply a pressure of 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lb) to it. Check the adjuster rod stiffness.
  3. If the adjuster rod is not stiff and moves down, replace the automatic belt tension adjuster assembly with a new one.
  NOTE:
  - Always use a vertical type pressing tool to move the adjuster rod down.
  - Do not use a lateral type vise.
  - Push the adjuster rod vertically.
  - Press-in the push adjuster rod gradually taking more than 3 minutes.
  - Do not allow press pressure to exceed 9,807 N (1,000 kgf, 2,205 lb).
  - Press the adjuster rod as far as the end surface of the cylinder. Do not press the adjuster rod into the cylinder. Doing so may damage the cylinder.
4. Measure the extension of rod beyond the body. If it is not within specifications, replace with a new one.
  1. Rod extension: H 5.7+/-0.5 mm (0.224+/-0.020 in)
  Fig 2: Identifying Adjuster Rod Extension
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
BELT TENSION PULLEY
1. Check the mating surface of timing belt and contact point of adjuster rod for abnormal wear or scratches. Replace the belt tension pulley if faulty.
2. Check the belt tension pulley for smooth rotation. Replace if noise or excessive play is noted.
3. Check the belt tension pulley for grease leakage.
BELT IDLER
1. Check the belt idler for smooth rotation. Replace if noise or excessive play is noted.
2. Check the outer contacting surfaces of idler pulley for abnormal wear and scratches.
3. Check the belt idler for grease leakage.