timing belt replacement

[zachmr13]

Getting ready to replace my timing belt, 2004 wrx. Do I need to use the Special Tools recommended in the service manual? One to hold the crank pulley and the other to turn the crank sprocket.

[wrx wagone]

Is the car a manual?

If so, put the transmission is 5th and engage the parking brake. That will hold the motor in place.

[vernk]

Is the car a manual?

If so, put the transmission is 5th and engage the parking brake. That will hold the motor in place.

what about with the motor out of the car? i dont have access to air. and i dont have the special tool. ideas?

[ItWRX4Me]

We bypassed the special tools using a strap wrench made from an old belt to hold the pulley while breaking the bolt loose.

[SeattleJeremy]

Strap Wrenches are available commercially if you, like me, do not know how to make one
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[ItWRX4Me]

Not that we fab strap wrenches every day but my stepson and I were in the same position and had to improvise with what we had on hand. This is one of those "Were there's a Will, there's a way" things.

Our air compressor didn’t produce enough CFM to break the bolt loose with a impact. We tried strap wrenches like the one posted above, unfortunately they broke like small rubber bands so save the 10 bucks for beer once your done

We ended up using the OEM timing belt as the strap wrench and some wood working clamps, a C clamp would probably work as well, to pinch the belt around the pulley, folded it over to the right side so it would pull against the direction needed to break the bolt loose and anchored it on a bracket towards the top of the engine. Once it gets tight with 1/2” drive breaker bar, 22mm socket and cheater bar the bolt broke loose.

Hope this helps!

[SeattleJeremy]

Thanks for the details! I'll have to keep that in mind just in case

[subaru_crazy]

I bought a breaker bar with the proper socket size, I then just rested the bar against the floor and I bumped the starter once, before I did it I gave it a practice bump so that I had a feel for it, so that the engine would not turn on. It was a piece of cake. To get it back on just have some one put the car in 5th gear and step on the brakes, while you use a torque wrench to tighten it back up.

[lytlec]

Does the motor need taken out to do a timing belt? I have heard people say you need to take it out....

[SeattleJeremy]

Does the motor need taken out to do a timing belt? I have heard people say you need to take it out....

No, there is no need to take the motor out to do the timing belt.

[lytlec]

No, there is no need to take the motor out to do the timing belt.

That's what I told him...thanks!