WRX t-belt. How hard is it?

How tough of a job is servicing the timing belt on a 2002-2007 WRX?

Is a non-turbo Imprezza easier? Any updates/upgrades to consider?

I will be watching this. Mine is due soon and I was contemplating the DIY.

Very easy; it's a bit time consuming if you're not a very experienced wrench but the steps are very straightforward. Remove the radiator and replace the coolant while you're at it and the job goes a lot faster.

The only gotcha I can think of is the belt tensioner needs collapsed if you're reusing it, which takes a vise. Back in the day when I was a poor kid with no vise, I'd bring the tensioner with me to the hardware store to "test" the vises they had there. Compress it, drop the pin in, and then change my mind on the purchase. You'll need a strong pin, too...lots of spring force there.

They are an interference engine, so BE SURE you have the timing exactly perfect before you put the timing covers back on. Lots of how-tos on the internet for this. Also, many people replace the cam seals "while you're in there" because the Subies are known to leak from the cam seals on high mileage engines. Personally, I typically don't replace them unless they're already leaking.

Bryce

Here's a GREAT how-to, which I plan to use when I do mine in the spring. This one addresses every detail of it and makes it not so daunting. There's an accompanying video how-to if you don't like reading...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1794043&highlight=how-to+timing+belt

Did mine about a year ago. No sweat. Got a kit from FCPImport.com, and replaced water pump at the same time. I was amazed at how freely the cams spin, and what light spring pressure the valves must have. That made getting timing set a little finicky, but still not a big deal.

The 4 cam motors need a couple more fingers than I have to do them easily. Trying to hold the belt on all 9 pulleys at the same time, and keeping the slack on the tensioner side can be a bit of a challenge, I think.

Just did the wifes this weekend. It took me 5 hours taking it easy. I found a Gates kit with tensioner, water pump, and idlers for $200. After 107k the belt looked like it could go another 20k, but most of the idlers were worn.

I was a little shocked how much the belt stretched. It was a little off all the marks when I went to set it before pulling the belt.

The driver side cams are under valve tension, so they will want to spring when you pull the belt. The new belt has marks all over it, so lining it up is pretty easy.

The service manual helps a lot.

Later, Matt