mtnsubie Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 I've got a '96 Legacy LSi. I'm not sure when I need to change the timing belt. I was also thinking about trying to change it myself. Anyone DIY and can share their experience? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivwarrior Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Well, as far as when to change it, go HERE and see for yourself what Subaru says. As far as changing it yourself, it depends on your skill level. If you're reasonably competent, and have decent instructions, you should be fine. If you get confused doing brakes, leave this one to a pro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airick Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Yep did it myself when i pulled the engine to do the headgasket. If you do try to do the timing belt yourself it would be very advantageous to take the radiator out when you do it to have some more working room. its real easy to take out and put in, and while it is out flush your cooling system well. it is possible to do it without doing the radiator but be prepared for some cramped spaces. also once you get the covers off, before you take your idler off, align all the timing marks, (mark with paint) the new timing belt has marks on it that will line up with those marks. check your idlers to make sure that the bearings are good. If they go out (kaboom). reassemble and enjoy. i think the service interval is every 100,000mi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 as others said. if your are compitent with a wrench go for it. if not leave it to a pro. its easyer to replace when the current one still works. much harder once the belt breaks or slips. and might as well factor in all idlers and tensioner pullys. it just makes sence to replace them while your are in there but its up to you. i would have it all on hand and if they felt ok during disasembly, then just bring em back un opened assuming the dealer wont charge your a re stocking fee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airick Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 forgot one thing, make sure that your tensioner is in working condition. If you can close it with hand pressure at all it is too loose. get a new one. it'd be a shame to get it all put back together and then have to rip it apart again for a 20$ tensioner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLegacy99 Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 105,000 miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyd2005 Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Make sure you index the timing belt properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bdubs Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 If you've never done it before and don't have any guidance, I'd suggest leaving it to a mechanic. Thats one thing you can't just make an oops on. Not worth ruining a nice 2.2 engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonklein611 Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 If I remember correctly, the 2.2 is nondestructive (one of the reasons my folks got it in our Legacy). So if you screwed up the timing, it just wouldn't run, but no major harm done.... We do most of our own car work and a timing belt isn't horrible, esp on an engine thats pretty accessible and such. I'd have to ask what my dad did to do ours (I was still a youngin when he did it). But if I recall, not horrible to do yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivwarrior Posted March 17, 2007 Share Posted March 17, 2007 If I remember correctly, the 2.2 is nondestructive (one of the reasons my folks got it in our Legacy). So if you screwed up the timing, it just wouldn't run, but no major harm done.... That was true, up until 1996. Starting in 1997, it became a valve bender. quote from wikipedia: All DOHC and 1997-up SOHC EJ engines are interference engines, if the timing belt fails the engine will likely be destroyed or the valves & piston will be heavily damaged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonklein611 Posted March 18, 2007 Share Posted March 18, 2007 I guess you learn something new every day. Thanks for the info! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 I did our 2001 Outback (with a pro watching), and still managed to forget the water pump gasket (so I got to open her up twice). It is definitely a big job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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