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replacing belts on 2.5

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Hello again folks!

 

I've got 105K on my '99 Outback, so according to the manual, it's time for a new timing belt.

 

Is this something I can do myself?

 

At least one of the other belts on the front of the engine looks like it needs replacing (alternator/power steering); same question - can I do that myself?

 

Thanks!

yes. someone is going to do it, millions of timing belts have been changed, so it's not that difficult. what experience and tools do you have?

 

the accessory belt is really simple, the timing belt is rather technical. the beauty of this board is that every single thing you need to know is already written on this board. TONS of information, including links to Subaru's ENDWRENCH site which details subaru's guidelines on this job as well. search and read. you'll need to determine whether the time researching and reading is worth it to you, but the information is already here.

 

if you've never changed oil before...then maybe this isn't for you. if you've rebuilt aircraft engines, you'll be fine. so the question remains, where do you fall between those two extremes?

General rule of thumb is that Subarus are like LEGOs... they're all built relatively similarly to each other, and are pretty simple to work on. Accessory belts are very simple to replace, timing belts and "while you're in there" jobs aren't nearly as simple, but are still a DIY job if you're handy. I'd suggest replacement of the water pump and timing belt tensioner, as well as a reseal on the oil pump in my "while you're in there" list.:)

  • Author
yes. someone is going to do it, millions of timing belts have been changed, so it's not that difficult. what experience and tools do you have?

 

the accessory belt is really simple, the timing belt is rather technical. the beauty of this board is that every single thing you need to know is already written on this board. TONS of information, including links to Subaru's ENDWRENCH site which details subaru's guidelines on this job as well. search and read. you'll need to determine whether the time researching and reading is worth it to you, but the information is already here.

 

if you've never changed oil before...then maybe this isn't for you. if you've rebuilt aircraft engines, you'll be fine. so the question remains, where do you fall between those two extremes?

 

I'm pretty comfortable working on cars. I restored a '68 Barracuda. so I'm used to getting my hands dirty. I'm familiar with the basic mechanics of an internal combustion engine.

 

Although working in the engine bay of a '60s era car and the engine bay of a late model car is quite different! When I change the spark plugs on the Outback, I have to remove a bunch of components first. I can almost stand in the engine compartment of my Barracuda.

 

http://jefframin.org

I'm pretty comfortable working on cars. I restored a '68 Barracuda. so I'm used to getting my hands dirty. I'm familiar with the basic mechanics of an internal combustion engine.

 

Although working in the engine bay of a '60s era car and the engine bay of a late model car is quite different! When I change the spark plugs on the Outback, I have to remove a bunch of components first. I can almost stand in the engine compartment of my Barracuda.

 

http://jefframin.org

You will have no problem. You'll need metric tools ;). The only thign that won't come in a standard socket set is the 22mm for the crank pulley. Invest finally in that GOOD torque wrench.

Use the clutch/TC inspection hole to lock the crank. I had the best luck doing that. Oh and disconnect the battery. You got airbags in this one.

  • Author
You will have no problem. You'll need metric tools ;). The only thign that won't come in a standard socket set is the 22mm for the crank pulley. Invest finally in that GOOD torque wrench.

Use the clutch/TC inspection hole to lock the crank. I had the best luck doing that. Oh and disconnect the battery. You got airbags in this one.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Do you have a link to a document for this procedure? I've done some searching and found instructions for the EJ22, but not the EJ25.

Forgot to ask, is it a DOHC? DOHC shouldn't be too much different, but IDK for sure.

Can't remember if the 99 OB had that setup.

 

Yep, the 99 OB is DOHC.

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